An initiative to help families out of poverty was celebrated at Ardrossan Employability Hub recently.

The event was part of Challenge Poverty Week and saw the council leader, Joe Cullinane, visit the We Work For Families programme and meet people who have successfully completed the initiative.

The key theme for this year’s Challenge Poverty Week is how poverty impacts on young people.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “We want to transform the lives of children experiencing poverty, but to do this we need to transform the lives of parents – this is exactly what this project set out to do.

“We are already beginning to see the benefits with 18 people who have completed the programme going onto secure a job.

“I spoke with two young women who have finished the workshops and they were both delighted with how the initiative has helped boost their confidence and help them to secure jobs.”

The council together with the Lennox Partnership launched the We Work For Families programme in 2017.

Since then, 104 parents have received a package of support tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.

Some of those parents have only just begun on their journey but already a third of parents have moved into employment or have gone on to college.

Funded by the European Social Fund, the We Work For Families programme offers tailored support packages for parents wishing to return to work but lack work experience and confidence to do so.

The initiative provides support with debt, childcare and housing issues (particularly private tenancies) and helps parents plan and prepare for returning to work including help with finding job.

Mum of three young children, Jackie, was long-term unemployed with little work experience.

She attended a confidence building workshop at the Ardrossan Hub.

Jackie said: “Initially I was anxious about attending the workshop.

“But after a few sessions and pushing myself I started to believe I am alright out my comfort

zone if take things day by day”.

Jackie’s confidence had grown throughout the workshops which gave her the boost she needed to take the first step of applying for a job in a new local business.

She was successful at interview and moved into part-time employment.

We Work for Families supported her by purchasing her work clothing.

Jackie added: “Now I am working I am much more organised and less anxious in myself.

“I am enjoying my

work and earning money for myself and not relying on my husband to keep me.

“We are saving up and looking forward to taking the children on holiday to Blackpool this year.”