More Than Just a Job: The Difference We Make for People Who Are Out of Work

Introduction

This research shows how National Lottery Community Fund grants help people find jobs and gain skills. It highlights the important role charities and community groups play in supporting people into work. It also shows how these organisations work with employers across the UK to recognise the abilities of people who may not have had a job before.

Findings

The research found that The National Lottery Community Fund has supported over 5,300 community-led employment projects over the past 5 years. Eight programmes alone have supported over 181,000 people on their journey to employment.

It concluded that the employment outcomes of National Lottery funded programmes compare well against other initiatives working with similar target groups. Where data is available, evaluations show that the costs are within the range of other public and voluntary sector led programmes.

The research also found that:

• charities and community organisations support people at all stages, and in all aspects, of their employment journey

• participation in employment programmes brings positive benefits for individuals – many leave better equipped to get a job

• employment programmes have wider societal benefits too – many people get more involved in their local community after taking part.

Projects often focused on building confidence and stability before supporting people to move towards employment.