An event was held at Barry Library recently to celebrate the launch of the Vale of Glamorgan Genesis 2 project – a new scheme led locally by the Vale Council that will help unemployed people in the area return to work or training.
Council representatives were joined by managers from across the statutory and voluntary sectors to launch the scheme, which offers one-to-one support, advice and guidance and confidence building, while helping to access training, education or employment. A unique service tailored to the needs of local residents, it will be developed through working with a network of partners and offering services throughout the Vale.
Based at Holm View Leisure Centre in Gibbonsdown, the scheme is funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government and run by development officer Sandra Perkes, assisted by administrator Alan Balcombe.
Sandra said: “We’re very glad to be launching Genesis 2 in the Vale of Glamorgan. It’s a wonderful project and we’re now looking forward to working with our partners and the people in our local community who will benefit from the services we provide.”
The project aims to help anyone over 16 years of age who is working less than 16 hours a week. Priority is given to lone parents, young people not in employment, education or training (NEETS), people with health problems or disabilities, older people and members of ethnic minorities.
It will cover all areas of the Vale but has a specific focus for residents based in priority areas – Buttrills, Cadoc, Castleland, Court and Gibbonsdown in Barry, and Llantwit Major and St Athan; as well as reaching out to the rural Vale.
Matt Parsons, Genesis Cymru Wales monitoring and compliance manager, added: “The wonderful thing about the Genesis project is that it tries to reach people two steps removed from the job market and doesn’t just offer a one-size-fits-all answer. It involves sitting down with people, finding out what they need, and then putting together a whole package that will suit them over the long-term.”
In addition to this, the team will also offer advice on childcare costs, where eligible, and is currently looking to extend the number of childcare places available in the area – all of which has been welcomed by its partners.
Barbara Price, adult guidance, Careers Wales, said: “We welcome any new opportunities for adults in the Vale, especially those in rural areas which tend to be underserved. There are good support networks in the Vale and the launch of Genesis 2 gives an opportunity to develop on these and create strong partnerships.”
The team will now begin to meet with participants across the Vale to make sure services offered are tailored to people’s needs.
Leader of the council, Cllr Gordon Kemp, said: “The Genesis 2 project is very important to the Vale, especially in its ability to meet those in harder to reach areas. This launch event has provided a wonderful opportunity for the team to meet with partners and begin to create new support networks, and I look forward to seeing how it develops.”
