Strawberry Field to receive European Social Fund grant for Steps to Work programme 

There’s good news for Strawberry Field and young adults in the local area hoping to benefit from its Steps to Work programme as the European Social Fund awards funding.

The European Social Fund (ESF) Managing Authority has approved in principle an award to The Salvation Army of a grant estimated at £628,152 delivered until 2023. Of the grant, £210,000 will part-fund the Steps to Work programme over a period of 3 years.

This award will enable The Salvation Army to support those furthest from the job market, including those with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health issues, to gain the employment-readiness experience, skills and vocational training required to find meaningful and secure paid employment.

The successful application integrates Strawberry Field’s ‘Steps to Work’ programme and The Salvation Army’s ‘Employment Plus’ service and will enable The Salvation Army to reach c.500+ participants over the lifetime of the project. News of the award was greeted with delight by Strawberry Field Mission Director, Major Kathy Versfeld, who said:

“This is absolutely amazing news, at a time when many have little to celebrate and opportunities for work appear to be shrinking.  Now, more than ever, we need this funding to support the vulnerable members of our communities and to give them hope of better days to come.”

And by Employment Plus Director, Rebecca Keating who said:

‘We are delighted with this success. Employment Plus has been working with those furthest from the labour market in Liverpool in recent years with great success. This additional funding will allow us to work alongside our colleagues on the ‘Steps to Work’ Programme and provide the community with much needed integrated support in these challenging times’.

To find out more about the Steps to Work programme and how the team at Strawberry Field are supporting young adults into work, visit the website here.

To find out more about the Employment Plus team head this way.]\’