A new initiative is aiming to create jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities across three towns in Suffolk and Norfolk.
A brand new partnership between the NHS, education providers, employers and the voluntary sector has launched plans to create 500 jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities across Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Felixstowe
The new East Coast Partnership - which forms part of the nationally supported Coastal Navigators' Network (CNN) - is uniting organisations from across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
The initiative aims to support people facing barriers to employment, skills and health in coastal communities.
With coastal communities often experiencing higher levels of economic inactivity, poorer health outcomes and fewer opportunities for education, training and career progression, the new partnership has been established to help address these challenges and create new pathways into work, training and apprenticeships.
Partners gathered at an event hosted by Lowestoft MP Jess Asato to outline how organisations across the region will work together to improve access to jobs, training and apprenticeships.
Ms Asato said: “This pledge to create 500 positive opportunities is incredibly important for Lowestoft.
“We face significant health inequalities and a real lack of jobs and opportunities.
“I’m hopeful this partnership will bring together the public sector, voluntary organisations and employers to create opportunities for people of all ages - ensuring there are jobs for everyone.”
Among the organisations at the launch event were Sizewell C, East Coast College, Suffolk Police, the Department for Work and Pensions, Ipswich Town Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund and local innovation partners.
Ed Garratt, chief executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Felixstowe have significant needs, but also significant assets.
“This partnership brings those strengths together to support 500 people back into employment."
Julia Nix, district manager for Norfolk and Suffolk at the Department for Work and Pensions, added: "By working together, we can not only help individuals out of poverty but lift whole families.
“The ambition to support 500 people into work is entirely achievable within 12 months if each partner plays their part.”
Over the coming year, partners will work together to create 500 opportunities in a range of sectors across the three towns, helping more people access jobs, training and apprenticeships while building healthier and more prosperous coastal communities.
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