AN ORGANISATION which provides vital support to those who are unemployed across Coventry and Warwickshire is continuing to offer its services and says despite the current situation, there are still jobs available across the area.
The Accelerate project provides employability services to those who are unemployed, but is being innovative in the way it is working with people.
The organisation, which has offices Coventry and Nuneaton but covers all of Warwickshire, offers free employment support which helps people build confidence, improve their skills and gain experience to prepare them for the world of work.
It works with its partner organisations across the county to provide mental health and wellbeing support to help unemployed people overcome any barriers they may be facing.
Accelerate is now providing its services via video calls, telephone calls, email and even text message as it adapts the way it works with participants, and is helping them to upskill as some are required to change their career paths due to Covid-19.
The organisation has also seen a shift in the type of support being requested, with an increasing amount of people from across the area looking for support around mental health, mindfulness, stress and dealing with anxiety as they struggle to cope during the lockdown period.
It is offering more general support, signposting participants to foodbanks and teaching people to make inexpensive healthy meals.
Marie Tallis, from Coventry and Warwickshire CDA which manages Accelerate, said: “Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, there are still a range of jobs available for those who are unemployed.
“We are seeing an increasing number of roles in the care sector as well as temporary positions in supermarkets.
“Both ourselves and the organisations we work with are being extremely innovative, using a variety of technology to deliver services via virtual contact as we help people to find employment.
“We are not only providing traditional employment support and helping people upskill for the different roles that are available, but also offering an increasing amount of emotional support as we help people deal with stress and anxiety.
“We pride ourselves on the quality of services we are able to offer during what it an incredibly challenging time.
“Accelerate works closely with local job centres and are taking referrals from them on a daily basis to help and support them with the recent influx of new participants claiming benefits.”
Those wishing to join Accelerate programme need to be 19 or over and have the right to work in the UK. Accelerate can be contacted by visiting www.accelerate.org.uk or calling 02476 633911. or