A new free support scheme to help long term unemployed people across Norfolk to find a job has been launched.

Norfolk Community College will support anyone aged 25 years and over living in the county who is long term unemployed by helping them make the most of the employment, volunteering and training opportunities available to them.

The college is a partnership led by East Coast College, which was formed in April after the merger of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft colleges.

It involves delivery partners from the voluntary sector - Access Community Trust, DIAL Great Yarmouth, Future Projects and Voluntary Norfolk.

The project is initially funded until December 2019 when it will have supported at least 1,000 adults across the county.

The range of support includes one-to-one advice around jobs and volunteering, group training sessions, and access to guidance on the latest benefits and personal finances.

The service is tailored to individual needs and offers those involved the chance to explore their options, raise their ambitions and receive practical support towards achieving their goals.

Stuart Jennings, project lead, said: 'There are so many different options available to a person looking to improve their skills, volunteer or find a job.

'Norfolk Community College draws together a network of organisations across the county who are already doing great work to help people into training, work placement and employment.

'The aim is to support those who are socially excluded because of their challenging living environments or current or previous range of issues from mental health to homelessness by providing them with new opportunities of gaining employment.'

The funding has come from the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund.

To seek support from the Norfolk Community College contact Ryan Labrum, project administrator, by emailling r.labrum@eastcoast.ac.uk or calling 01493 419255.

For employers and businesses, large or small, who would like more information on how the project could benefit them, contact Richard Plant, employment broker at r.plant@eastcoast.ac.uk or 07976 415016.