CXL puts Families First
August 2009With young people’s attitudes to education and employment formed at an early age by family role models, social business CXL has launched an innovative pilot in the Shadsworth and Whitebirk areas of Blackburn, which aims to break the unemployment cycle that can exist in families, leading to young people becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
The ‘Fast Forward For Families’ pilot, funded by Lancashire Economic Partnership and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), offers access to free support to help parents to improve their skills and confidence with a view to returning to work, changing career path or gaining qualifications.
By working with the entire family to improve long-held attitudes towards working, training and making a positive contribution towards the future, Fast Forward For Families is seeking to change the generational cycle of worklessness.
As part of the initiative, parents can undertake the four-week course, ‘All About Me! And Where I Want To Be!’, tackling issues including self confidence and self-esteem. It also helps pinpoint individual talents and skills to help participants find appropriate and sustainable employment.
Claire Sharpe, a parent from Whitebirk is currently taking part in ‘All About me! And Where I Want To Be!’. She comments: “The course has helped me improve my confidence and self belief. It’s provided me with the inspiration and motivation I needed, and now I am starting to look at potential courses at my local college.”
The year long pilot is currently working with many families in the area, but CXL Adviser for Fast Forward for Families, Michelle Hurst is urging more people to get involved. She comments: “The programme offers many advantages to parents and their families and is a great way to get back on track with work, training or improving confidence.
“We hope that by working with parents we will be able to help break the generational cycle of unemployment that can sometimes exist in families that are perhaps lacking confidence or motivation. If parents become involved in further training or employment through the scheme then there is a greater chance that their children will do the same.”
The programme is easily accessible through community centres across both neighbourhoods. To find out more about Fast Forward for Families call 07734 540059 or email michelle.hurst@cxl-uk.com.

