Extra support for families

The funding, which would be in the region of £600,000 to £1.1million, will go towards helping those families who face multiple problems which stop them from getting into employment and will be run in close partnership between the Council's Jobs Team and family key workers. Families would receive support for a maximum of 12 months and 950 families in Coventry have already been identified who could benefit from the extra support.

Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for City Development, said: "This extra funding will go to help the most vulnerable residents of our city. We already know there are many issues that can stop people getting back into work. Being unemployed doesn't only impact on families' income but can lead to psychological and emotional problems too and I am really pleased that we can continue to help and support families in this way."

This scheme is part of the Council's wider job strategy which has seen the Jobs team taking up temporary residence in a city centre shop. The move was taken to make it easier for unemployed residents to meet with the Jobs team and find out what help and support is available to them. The shop opened to the public on Thursday 3 November and the team has already spoken to 250 residents to date.

The shop at 1 The Precinct is open Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 3.30pm until Thursday 22 December.

The team also offers advice and support every Thursday 10am-1pm at the Job Club which is based at the Coventry Transport Museum. Anyone looking for work can attend and use the internet and phones for free to help with their job search. The team also display a wide range of vacancies from employers across the city and offer training and support to develop employment skills. In addition to this, they give support with creating a CV, completing application forms, preparing for interviews and offer confidential advice around money issues.