Milton Keynes Council’s Neighbourhood Employment Programme (NEP) has been shortlisted for the prestigious Local Government Chronicle national awards.
The LGC awards recognise excellent practice across the public sector, and the Milton Keynes NEP has been shortlisted in the Partnership Working category.
The NEP runs 16 community based job clubs in addition to supporting all 20 Children’s Centres in Milton Keynes. The team also help specifics job clubs for those with housing needs, 18-24 year olds, 50+ year olds and provide a specialist service for those with mental health problems.
The NEP works in partnership with the Benefits Agency, NHS, education, voluntary sector and local councils, as well as YourMK, to provide support and advice.
The LGC said, “It has been a record year for entries so to be shortlisted is a remarkable achievement.”
Councillor Liz Gifford, said: “It is very exciting to have the Neighbourhood Employment Programme shortlisted for the LGC awards. The NEP team has already helped over 2000 individuals into work, and over 5,800 through some form of training to improve their skills and qualifications, so it’s fantastic to see that their efforts are being recognised nationally.”
The NEP team will now continue discussions with the LGC judges before the winners are announced early next year.
For information about the MK Neighbourhood Employment Programme, please go to http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/neighbourhood-employment-programme
