A new project will support people who’ve had a long break from work, to care for family members for example, to take the first steps back into a career, and filling key roles with local employers. The North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) is investing over £650,000, working with local voluntary carers organisations.

The project will explore new ways to help people return to work, by providing ‘return-ships’ opportunities with local employers. These opportunities will vary from employer to employer, but are likely to include short-term work trials, positions with flexible hours, in-work training and support.

Three carers organisations: North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, Newcastle Carers and Carers Northumberland – will play a key role at the heart of the project. They will provide information, advice and support for carers who are providing unpaid care for family or friends. They will help carers who are not working to think about and prepare for a return for work if they wish to do so.

Project staff are being recruited. Please look out for further information in our next newsletter.