Unemployed adults

Images by Kathryn Louise Geels

Unemployment in the inner cities is implicated in a host of major societal issues, from social exclusion and the physical and mental wellbeing of the individual through to the drug abuse and related crime. It is an issue of national, public concern.

As BME groups are susceptible to living in the most deprived parts of London and facing unemployment; they disproportionately suffer the disadvantage and negative effects of poverty and so are a crucial group to target in the fight against it. In London, where LEAP mostly operates, even though the BME community makes up only 28% of London’s population it makes up 45% of the unemployed (London Child Poverty Commission 2008).

We have developed several life-changing training programmes that use employment as the vehicle, and tackle some of the underlying reasons behind people being unable to find and keep work.

Those who attend our programmes are empowered with the all-important ‘soft skills’ which are highly valued by employers. We also tackle issues such as attitude, communication skills and motivation, by challenging behavioural and cultural barriers to employment sometimes held by our target groups. We give clients the tools and knowledge needed to gain and sustain employment, such as CV and interview training, as well as address issues like understanding employers’ needs and conflict resolution.

We also offer individualised support and career guidance to help place people into employment and training, as well as offer access to a range of beneficial life skills services. Once our clients are working we implement a follow up service to increase employment sustainability as well as aid in their career progression.

For any enquiries about our available programmes, please contact us on 020 8962 1900 or info@leap.org.uk