Wansbeck Centre for Voluntary Service - WCVS

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New Deal

Wansbeck CVS manages the New Deal Voluntary Sector Option which is part of a Government programme designed to help unemployed individuals back into work.

This programme offers individuals in both the Wansbeck and Castle Morpeth areas work placements for up to 13 weeks with local organisations in the public, private or voluntary sectors. Hopefully this experience will increase their potential for employability within the local jobs market. In the past few weeks the New Deal team has relocated to new premises at 69 Station Road, Ashington we can be contacted on 01670 856 587.

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What will the organisation get out of it?

The placement programmes run for up to 13 weeks and the benefits to any organisation in taking someone on placement would be as follows:

there would be no financial cost to the organisation whatsoever. In fact the organisation receives a payment from Wansbeck CVS at the end of the programme.
organisations can 'test the water' with individuals first by having a one or two day taster to see that the arrangement is going to work
organisations have the benefit of having another member of staff and 'an extra pair of hands' available
if at any time during the programme the organisation felt that the placement was not working it could be terminated and, in any event, the placement would automatically finish after 13 weeks
Wansbeck CVS provide support and training to the individual prior to any placement as well as maintaining regular contact with the organisation during the placement as necessary

If you feel that your organisation could benefit from this programme, wish to participate or require any further information, please contact the team on 01670 856587.

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Success Story

On occasions successful placements can lead to longer term employment with the placement provider. One such success story was Maria Smith who now works for the New Deal team within Wansbeck CVS. Maria, who is in her 40s, had been unemployed for 2 years before coming onto the New Deal programme. She had been originally involved in care work but for health reasons had to change the type of work she could undertake. She wanted to do more sedentary work such as office or admin work but had very little experience in this area.

When Maria was referred under the New Deal programme, she was placed with Wansbeck CVS from August-November 2006 mainly providing admin support to a number of different teams within the service. Her successful 13 week placement resulted in her being offered a six month contract with Wansbeck CVS and she now provides excellent reception & admin support to the New Deal team in their new premises. Maria is now a highly valued member of staff and is really enjoying this new opportunity.

Last Update: March 2008

Contact Wansbeck Centre for Voluntary Service
107 & 109 Station Road, Ashington, Northumberland NE63 8RS
Tel: 01670 858 688 Fax: 01670 784160 Email: enquire@wansbeckcvs.org.uk