TWO community projects are being launched to help jobless adults in some of Keighley’s most disadvantaged areas back into employment or training.

The Community Led Local Development (CLLD) schemes will work with adults aged 19-plus in the programme’s area, helping them to overcome barriers.

Craven College is working in partnership with Keighley Town Council and Highfield Community Association on the initiative.

The projects are receiving funding of up to £287,500 from the England 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds – with funding also from Bradford Council, Craven College and the town council.

As part of Keighley Works, experienced key workers will offer support to participants on a one-to-one basis.

Together they will agree on a personal development plan and examine how the person’s confidence, skills and experience can be developed to improve their prospects of gaining employment.

Some of the services on offer will include putting together a CV and helping with job searching; support with English and maths, either one-to-one or in a small group; advice on managing finances and budgeting; assistance with childcare and travel to access learning and interviews; help to acquire more skills and training; support with finding suitable volunteering and mentoring opportunities, and help with enrolling on training courses.

The initiative is welcomed by Pippa Syers, community and projects manager at Craven College.

She added: “Craven College has been delivering courses within the Keighley community for over 12 years.

“This project enables us to work with individuals who may not have the confidence to join courses and will provide nurture and resources to break down barriers and move participants towards training and work.

“We are excited about the partnership with Keighley Town Council, which is already embedded within the community.”

Keighley Neighbourhood Hubs is a smaller project, designed to support and enhance the work of existing community centres within the CLLD area.

It aims to increase usage by creating a hub, which can be utilised and accessible to all within the community.

Anyone may refer themselves, or a friend or family member, to Keighley Works.

People can check if they live in a CLLD area by visiting keighleyclld.org.uk/the-clld-area.

For further information about Keighley Works or Keighley Neighbourhood Hubs, or to make a referral, email projects@craven-college.ac.uk or call/text 07921 372805.

The European Structural and Investment Funds were established to help areas stimulate their economic development.