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A £70million Euro-backed initiative to tackle many of the major barriers unemployed people face when wanting to learn new skills or return to work has been launched by the Welsh Assembly Government

Genesis Cymru Wales 2 is set to help 20,000 people overcome a range of barriers that prevent them from entering the workforce or training. Through its comprehensive package of advice, one-to-one mentoring, assistance to attend training and childcare, the project aims to help people build an independent and prosperous future.

Made possible with £35million from the European Social Fund, the project is the successor to the Genesis Cymru Wales project which helped over 15,000 people to increase their employment opportunities by addressing barriers such as low skills, transport costs to training and lack of self-esteem.

The new scheme will focus on reaching Wales’ hardest to reach individuals through its unique referral service meaning health visitors, social workers and other professionals will be able to inform and refer them to the scheme. Parents will also be able to refer themselves to the service. Genesis advisors will then arrange to meet them in their homes or an informal environment such as a café to discuss the support they require.

Launching the project Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones and Education Minister, Jane Hutt, met some of the people who have already benefited from the project.

Speaking at the launch Jane Hutt said:

This new scheme will build on the success of the Genesis project, tackling the problems of economic inactivity and child poverty at a local level. As a government, we are committed to tackling child poverty and this new funding package will play a key role in creating a fairer Wales. Genesis has and will continue to make a real difference, bringing economic and social benefits across Wales.

Mr Jones, who is also Minister for the Economy and Transport, said:

This project is all about raising aspirations and equipping people with skills and confidence to ensure they can move into sustainable employment.

Our One Wales programme commits the Assembly Government to provide people with the necessary tools to fulfil their individual potential, contribute to the prosperity of their local communities and support the economic growth of Wales.

Another aspect of the new project will be to offer support for individuals who are already employed but who have work limiting health conditions, such as post natal depression, to prevent them from becoming economically inactive.

Carol Daniel MBE, founder of Genesis Cymru Wales, said that the project had come a long way since its inception in 2002.

She said:

I am thrilled that the project can be continued for a further six years with the aid of this funding. There are so many people needing the support available through Genesis and this funding will ensure we can continue to help many thousands realise their hopes and aspirations and simultaneously improve their economic well being.

To find out more information about Genesis Cymru Wales 2 and how to access the scheme please contact your local Family Information Service or access the website at www.genesiswales.co.uk