A MAJOR new scheme is being launched to help families in some of the most deprived areas of Keighley.

The Shine project will offer tailored support to get more people into work and training.

And the families will be given access to specialist services to deal with barriers ­— such as substance misuse, mental health, domestic violence or parenting issues – that may be holding them back.

Spearheading the initiative – which will get under way in the new year – is acclaimed Keighley charity Project 6, which works with people with drug and alcohol problems and complex needs.

It has been awarded £181,272 as part of the Keighley Community Led Local Development programme, to set-up the venture. Part of the funding is from the European Union.

Vulnerable families in Keighley Central, East and West wards – where there may be several generations of unemployed adults, with obstacles to work such as a lack of experience and low motivation and aspiration – will be targeted.

A life coach will work with individuals, providing help throughout ­– from initial job searching to in-employment support – with one-to-one and group sessions.

There will also be 'digital inclusion' programmes – in partnership with Keighley Healthy Living – to give participants online skills, and debt and benefits advice sessions.

Vicki Beere, chief executive officer of Project 6, said the charity was delighted to be delivering the "much needed" service.

"For years now we have supported families affected by multiple complex needs and seen the need to work with the entire family to help them reach their potential," she said.

"Our Shine project will help us do just that.

"We aim to work with families which need support in developing their skills and experience to allow them to move nearer education, training and employment.

"Our work will focus on talking to families to identify their strengths and potential, then coaching the family members to develop skills in areas we agree are beneficial.

"We hope the project will have a positive impact on the individuals, families and the wider community."

Lynn Lawson, the charity's director of development, said supporting people with debt advice and improving their IT knowledge would provide a huge boost for many.

"Often people are worried that if they enter employment they’ll be worse off – we also know that debt can be a barrier," she added.

"And IT skills are increasingly necessary these days, with a lot of jobs requiring online applications.

"By giving people basic IT skills and equipping them to do internet searches and complete online applications, we’ll be removing further barriers and increasing people’s confidence."

The scheme is welcomed by community leaders.

Keighley town mayor, Councillor Peter Corkindale, said: “Project 6 does brilliant work – I attended the opening of its new centre recently and saw firsthand what fantastic things it is doing. This new scheme will provide much-needed support to families, and anything that benefits the town and its people has got to be a good thing.”

And town chaplain, the Rev Dr Jonathan Pritchard, said he was "full of hope" that the project would make a real difference. "It is part of a wider response to the needs of the most vulnerable in our community and I pray God's blessing on it," he added.