By partnering Suffolk and Norfolk Community Foundations and engaging with charitable organisations, the LEP has been able to support those who are disadvantaged by enhancing employability skills and supporting more people into work.

Since November 2014, Suffolk has awarded £296,485 in grants supporting 16 organisations to increase people’s prospects across Suffolk. As identified in Hidden Needs, compared regionally and nationally fewer people in Suffolk work in managerial and professional jobs and more are employed in less skilled and elementary occupations. The interventions they make help to create change in people’s lives and opportunities.

One of the groups to receive funding is The Mix in Stowmarket that provides support to those who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) to “take back their life” and make changes to move forward.