Job Assist success story

THE Job Assist project has been successfully running from our City centre premises and outreach centres in the community across the City over the last three years. Job Assist is designed to help unemployed people in the community overcome those issues that may be preventing them from finding and keeping a job. We offer an impartial and confidential advice and support service to help people find a job which best suits their skills and abilities.

Job Assist, a community employment service is available for those people who are receiving Incapacity Benefit, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support, Severe Disablement Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, those not claiming any Benefits and young people who are not in education employment or training.

The service provided by Job Assist is person centred, flexible and puts the needs of the client first. You can use the service on a voluntary basis at a time that suits you. Our employment advisers have an extensive knowledge of the labour market and can advise you on how getting into work will affect any Benefits you may receive. Job Assist has proved to be very successful with significant numbers of people moving into employment. The project is also delivered locally by providers in Strabane and Belfast,

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Locally we have caseloaded over 1000 people and have had enquiries from many others. We have been able to place over 300 people into employment. As well as this we have also been able to help people to both enter and participate in the area of seeking employment.

In recent weeks Job Assist has been proactive in helping clients move forward. We have recently completed a programme for Lone Parents which enabled them to participate in work placements on a ten week programme with organisations from the local voluntary sector. This gave the client the opportunity to see how and if they could be affected by working some hours and how it would impact on them. The feedback from this programme has been very positive and a number of people have gone on to employment as a result.

We are also involved at the moment on a joint partnership with the Princes Trust. The GET INTO RETAIL programme was targeted at young people between 18 and 24 to give them some retail experience and training. A number of major retailers in the Derry area have been involved as well as the Prince’s Trust themselves and Austin’s Quality Training. Once again the feedback from this initiative is very positive and we are hopeful that a number of the young people may gain full time employment as a result.

Job Assist cannot of course work in isolation and we are very grateful for the participation of not just local community groups and other professional stakeholders but also local employers. If you think you would like some help or advice fell free to call at our office Job Assist Office 5 Butcher Street or phone and make an appointment 02871308638. You can also contact

Caw / Nelson Drive Community Group 71286217

Clooney Estate Residents Association 71347799

Related topics: