guide to work education and training

18. More home

Sum insured

Weekly cost(standard cover)

£26,000 £5.06

£27,000 £5.26

£28,000 £5.45

£29,000 £5.65

£30,000 £5.84

£31,000 £6.04

£32,000 £6.23

£33,000 £6.43

£34,000 £6.62

£35,000 £6.82

All risksPersonal belongings £0.80 per £1,000 per weekWheelchairs / hearing aids £0.97 per £1,000 per weekPedal cycles £0.28 per £100 per week

* Only available to people over 60 years old.

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18. More than a homeA guide to work, education and training

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More than a homeA guide to work, education and training

www.stockporthomes.org

The crucial thing is making the first step, and this guide will help point you in theright direction.

About Stockport HomesStockport Homes’ staff are in contact with a large number of customers every day, so they are in a great position to provideadvice and information not just on housing, but on a widerange of other issues.

This section of the handbook provides useful information about where you can go in Stockport to get advice on work, education and training.

If you have any questions or need support accessing employment, training or voluntary work, please call the Employment Support Officer on 0161 474 2836.

IntroductionFinding work can be harder than some people imagine. Forcertain groups of people it can be even harder, and the longeryou are out of work, the more difficult it can seem.

The crucial thing is making that first step, and this section of the handbook will point you in the right direction. It is divided into two sections, the first shows a number of ways to get back into work, and the second provides information on support organisations which offer help for specific groups of people.

Won’t I be worse-off in work?

This is very rarely the case. There are several benefits that youcan receive when you are in work such as:• Working and Child Tax Credits (including up to 80% of childcare costs);• Child Benefit; and• Housing and Council Tax Benefit (in many cases).

You should also ask at the Job Centre about:• Job Grants - one-off payments to cover costs of returning to

work, such as transport or clothes;• Return to Work Credits - weekly payments for people

starting low-income work after finishing Income Support or Incapacity Benefit;

• In Work Credits - weekly payments for lone parents returning to work;

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If you have any questions or need support accessing employment, training or voluntary work, please call the Employment Support Officer on 0161 474 2836.

• In Work Discretionary Fund - one-off payment for lone parents to help with the costs of returning to work;

• Help with travel costs whilst you are looking for work; and• Extended payments of Housing and Council Tax

Benefits - an extra four weeks of these payments when you start work.

There are many great benefits to having a job such as:• you’ll have more money;• you can make new friends;• you can establish a structure in your life which is very good if

you are looking to break old habits, such as criminal activity or drug misuse;

• you’ll have a greater sense of pride;• you’ll be able to set a positive example to others (especially

your children); and• proving people wrong (in some cases).

Where can I find work?

The local Job Centre is the best place to start. Their staff canhelp you search for jobs and also offer you advice on your CVand where to look.

But don’t stop there. You can:

• search the local and national newspapers, as well as jobs papers;

• look on the internet (if you don’t have a computer at home, all local libraries offer free internet access);

• register with employment agencies. There are many of these in Stockport now - look in the Yellow Pages or search on the internet for the best ones;

• keep your eye open for ‘job fairs’ in your area which give you an opportunity to meet employers and find out how you can enter certain careers; and

• try the old-fashioned approach: just walk in and hand over your CV (especially for bar / restaurant and retail work), and get the job before it’s advertised!

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I don’t have the right qualifications orexperience for the job I want!

Whatever your level of education, skills and age, there are courses and classes to help you improve and increase yourchances of finding work, or even starting a new career. If youcan, get in contact with someone who already works in the job that you’re interested in, and find out what qualifications orexperience you will need.

Stockport College have courses for young people and adultsoffering both academic courses, such as maths and Englishliterature, or vocational courses, such as vehicle maintenanceand beauty therapy.

Tel: 0845 230 3102Web: www.stockport.ac.uk

Won’t going on a course affect my benefits?

If you are on benefits you will still be able to do some courseswithout it affecting the money you receive, though you mustcheck with the Job Centre first. You may also get a discountfor the course itself. You could also ask at the Job Centreabout Career Development Loans, which are interest-freeloans from the Government for up to £8,000 to help you withthe costs of vocational education or training.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are open to everyone over the age of 16. They can help you get into over 180 different careers, and allow you to earn money whilst learning valuable skills, with the average weekly wage being around £170. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete, and all lead towards well-recognised qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

National Apprenticeship HelplineTel: 0800 015 0600Web: www.apprenticeship.org.uk

If you are on benefits, you willstill be able to dosome courseswithout it affectingthe money youreceive, though you must check with theJob Centre first.

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Voluntary work

This can be a great way to get enough experience for the jobyou want. Though working for no pay may not sound like such a good idea:• in most cases you will still retain your existing benefits;• it shows employers that you are keen and willing to work;• you will often get paid some expenses for the work that you

do; and• most importantly you can gain the necessary skills, experience, training and confidence to apply for paid work.

Whilst many voluntary jobs are in the social care sector, there are also opportunities for work in sports and outdoors work improving the local environment.

www.do-it.org.uk includes details of over a million voluntary positions. Once you have registered with them, they will keep you updated with opportunities that become available that match your requirements.

Volunteering England can provide you with lots of information and advice on volunteering.Tel: 0845 305 6979Web: www.volunteering.org.uk

Stockport Action for Volunteering Youth (SAVY) - specifically helps 16-25 year olds access volunteer work.Tel: 0161 477 0246Web: www.stockportsavy.org.uk Groundwork provide training and support for some peoplewho find it difficult to access employment, and run volunteerschemes in some local areas.Web: http://manchester.groundworknw.org.uk

Self-employment

An increasingly popular option is to become self-employed.

If there are some ‘in-demand’ skills that you have, such asgardening, hairdressing or decorating, but you are struggling to find employment, or like the idea of organising your own work, this could be for you!

An increasinglypopular optionis to becomeself-employed.

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Taking up self-employment is an option available under all theNew Deals, so if you are on this already, you can ask youradvisor at Job Centre Plus for more details about the supportavailable to you (which includes financial help). There are alsocourses available to help you learn all you need to know about setting up and running a business.

Business Link can connect you to all the support you needin setting up a business.Tel: 0845 600 9006Web: www.businesslink.gov.uk

Inland RevenueBe sure to contact Inland Revenue for all necessary forms andregistrations.Tel: 0845 915 4515Web: www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

Blue Orchid offers specialist advice and support to unemployed people interested in starting their own business.Web: www.theblueorchid.co.uk

Young people

If you are 18-24 and claim Jobseeker’s Allowance, then youcould be eligible for New Deal, which is a scheme to helpyoung people into work.

Ask at your local Job Centre Plus for more details.Tel: 0845 606 0234Web: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Connexions provides a wide range of advice and support forall young people in Stockport, and can help you in accessingemployment, education and training.Tel: 0161 475 7700Web: www.connexions-stockport.org.uk

Next Step is a careers advice service for anybody over theage of 20, and can offer help and information about learningand work in your area.Tel: 0800 100 900Web: http://nextstep.direct.gov.uk

If you are 18-24 and claim Jobseeker’s Allowance, then you could be eligible for New Deal, which is a scheme to help young people into work.

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The Prince’s Trust offers help to unemployed people aged18-30 setting up their own business, including financial support and specialist business support.Tel: 0800 842 842Web: www.princes-trust.org.uk

Work Solutions offers advice and help for anybody currentlyclaiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) for 13 weeks or less,including help with putting your CV together, confidencebuilding exercises and training courses.Tel: 0161 828 3277Web: www.work-solutions.org.uk

Older people

There is a New Deal 50 plus which offers help to older job seekers who are looking to get back into work. Ask about this and other incentives and help in getting back to work at the Job Centre.Tel: 0845 606 0234Web: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

PRIME Initiative offers support, advice on training andsome financial support.Tel: 0800 783 1904Web: www.primebusinessclub.com

The following websites are also worth taking a look at:

www.wrinklies.co.uk this is an internet-based organisationoffering computer training for over 50s.

www.primexperience.co.uk a recruitment agency for over 50s.

www.ageuk.org.uk the UK’s largest charity working with and for older people.

New Deal 50 plus offers help to older job seekers who are looking to get back into work.

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People with disabilities

If you claim Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disability Allowance or Employment Support Allowance, you can do work that earns you up to £20 a week without it affecting your benefits. Also, if you receive Incapacity Benefit you can work up to 16 hours a week (earning no more than £88.50) for a period of up to 52 weeks.

There is a New Deal for people with disabilities (this is avoluntary scheme, and your benefits do not depend uponparticipation), ask at the Job Centre for more details.Tel: 0845 606 0234Web: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Pure Innovations offers support to unemployed people who face major barriers and can’t get support from mainstream agencies to move into employment.Tel: 0161 474 5900Web: www.pureinnovations.co.uk

Work Solutions have an Intermediate Labour Market scheme which offers part-time (16-20 hours per week), paid (minimum wage levels) 20-week work experience, with their own additional support, with local employers, allowing people on Incapacity Benefit the opportunity to learn whilst earning additional money.Tel: 0161 828 3277Web: www.work-solutions.org.uk

Pathways to work is designed to help adults with healthconditions or disabilities get back into work. You can be referred by the Job Centre, or by any worker who is helping you. Or alternatively, please contact Work Solutions yourself.

If you claim Incapacity Benefitor Severe DisabilityAllowance, you can do work that earns you up to £20 a weekwithout it affectingyour benefits.

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Looking after your general health

Choose well This picture helps you to decide what service you need for different health concerns.

Looking after yourselfMaking the right choices about the way you live is important. We know that making changes to our lifestyles can have a big impact on our health and wellbeing. There are services available to help you make changes such as stopping smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink or achieving a healthy weight. For more information, please contact Stockport Lifestyle Services on 0161 426 5085.

Registering with a local doctorThere are other services you can find out about at your local GP practice (doctor’s surgery). We would recommend that you register with a local Stockport GP. To find out about local GP Practices ring the NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0161 426 5888 or visit www.nhs.uk where you can find lots of useful information about health and health services.

Mental health

In addition to the support available in the above section there are some organisations that offer help specifically to people with mental health issues.

Making the right choices about the way you live is important. We know that making changes to our lifestyles can have a big impact on our health and wellbeing.

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Mind is a national organisation that has advocacy workerswho can help service-users with many different things,including help finding employment. You don’t need a referral ora diagnosis for this service.Tel: 0161 480 7393Web: www.stockportmind.org.uk

Turning Point offers a wide range of support for people withsubstance misuse issues and / or mental health, including helpfinding employment.Tel: 0161 238 5100 (Manchester office)Web: www.turning-point.co.uk

Lone parents

Lone parents can face particular barriers to finding work, oftenregarding childcare.

It is worth remembering though that working parents have theright to:• request flexible working hours;• unpaid parental leave for children under five (or 18 if your

child is disabled); and• unpaid time off to deal with unexpected problems with the

care of dependants.

There is a New Deal for lone parents, which offers helpand advice in finding employment, training and childcare.Ask at Job Centre Plus for more details.Tel: 0845 606 0234 Web: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Work Solutions have an Intermediate Labour Market Schemewhich offers part-time (16-20 hours per week), paid (minimumwage levels) 20-week work experience, with their own additional support, with local employers, allowing people on Incapacity Benefit the opportunity to learn whilst earning additional money.Tel: 0161 828 3277Web: www.work-solutions.org.uk

If you are worried about the impact that working may have onyour children’s care arrangements or their lives in general, youcould consider working part-time initially. For help and advice about looking for childcare in your area the following may be useful:

Stockport Family Info LinkTel: 0808 800 0606Web: www.fil.org.uk

Lone parents canface particular barriers to findingwork, oftenregarding childcare.

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National Childminding AssociationTel: 0800 169 4486 Web: www.ncma.org.uk

Ex-offenders

Having a job can be one of the most important factors in stopping people from re-offending by offering them theopportunity to establish a settled, productive life.

Sometimes ex-offenders can face difficulty finding work, often due to discrimination. When looking for work you should always be honest with an employer about any convictions you may havewhich haven’t yet been spent (you can check with NationalAssociation for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders(NACRO) Resettlement Plus Helpline to see whether you haveto declare your convictions or not).

If you have a Probation Officer, you can ask them for help in trying to find employment or access training. Likewise, if you have a worker at the Youth Offending Team, they can help you too.

Work Solutions offers additional support for ex-offenders inaccessing employment, including help with putting your CVtogether, and also confidence building exercises.Tel: 0161 828 3277Web: www.work-solutions.org.uk

NACRO develop and run education, training and employmentservices for ex-offenders and those who need help with basicskills.Tel: 0207 840 7200Web: www.nacro.org.uk

NACRO Resettlement Plus Helpline offers advice forprisoners, ex-offenders and people working with them.Tel: 0800 0181 259

Groundwork provides training and support for people who find it difficult to access employment, and run volunteer schemes in some local areas.Web: http://manchester.groundworknw.org.uk

Having a routine,stability and a sense of purpose that a job can offer is one of the best ways ofhelping you remain drug or alcohol free.

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Substance misuse

Having the routine, stability and sense of purpose that a jobcan offer is one of the best ways of helping you remain drug oralcohol free.

There are many organisations who offer help and support tosubstance misusers as well as help in accessing employmentand education.

Turning Point offers a wide range of support for peoplewith substance misuse and mental health issues includinghelp finding employment.Tel: 020 7481 7600 (head office, London)Web: www.turning-point.co.uk

The following organisations also offer a variety of support forsubstance misusers:

MOSAIC offers support for young people who misuse drugsor alcohol.Tel: 0161 480 5939

Acorn Treatment and Housing is the Alcohol and DrugService in Stockport which offers a variety of services for drug users aged 18 or older and for their family and friends.Tel: 0161 484 0000Web: www.acorntreatment.org

The Community Drug Team is the main service in Stockportfor drug users aged 18 or older.Tel: 0161 249 4000

There are many organisations who offer help and support tosubstance misusers as well as help in accessing employmentand education.

guide to work education and training

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