STEPHEN KINNOCK MP met with NPT Trailblazer participants and team members at the project’s hub to see first-hand how the innovative programme, funded by Welsh Government, is helping people across Neath Port Talbot who are out of education and employment to overcome barriers to work, improve their wellbeing and build bright futures.
The Trailblazer programme supports residents aged 16+ from communities across Neath Port Talbot by delivering a tailored, person-centred approach which includes: training, personal development courses, relaxed social events, CV and job application guidance, interview practice and wellbeing improvement opportunities.
During the visit, the Labour MP for Aberafan Maesteg, met with Trailblazer participants who shared their personal journey and the positive impact the programme has had on their lives. Through determination and tailored support, all three individuals have made significant progress towards employment while improving their confidence, health and overall wellbeing.
Jamie Williams, Trailblazer participant, said: “If you’ve got mental health issues, such as anxiety, or issues and barriers that stop you going into full-time work, Trailblazer helps to build you back up.
“Trailblazer gave me that insight of what I wanted to do in life, where I wanted to go and the impact has been tenfold. For the first time in my life, I know how to take those first steps, how to carry on taking them steps and where it’s going to lead me, instead of being in the dark.”
Stephen Kinnock MP, said: “Meeting participants and hearing directly about their experiences reinforces the importance for supporting local people to overcome complex challenges through services like Trailblazer, which offers a personalised holistic approach to improve their wellbeing and move closer to sustainable employment.
“It was inspiring to meet the dedicated staff and participants who are making the success of this project possible.”
The visit to the Hub located within the Opportunities Hub in Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot, also provided an opportunity for Mr Kinnock to meet frontline staff delivering the programme and gain a deeper understanding of the personalised support available to participants, all of which is completely free of charge.
Sarah Mainwaring, Project Lead for NPT Trailblazer, said: “Trailblazer is about far more than helping people find work. It’s about supporting individuals to rebuild confidence, improve their wellbeing and create lasting opportunities, which we’ve done for over 150 people so far through the project.
“We were delighted to welcome Stephen Kinnock to the Hub and share the incredible work being delivered by our team and, most importantly, the achievements of our participants, through free and personalised support.”
For anyone interested in accessing the Trailblazer project, find out more at www.npttrailblazer.co.uk, or email [email protected].
