Economic Inclusion
Promoting employability, particularly for the region’s most disadvantaged groups, will be achieved mainly through the implementation of the Regional Employability Framework. The Framework will better align investment within the region and provide better opportunities for progression for individuals, with better support for employers to recruit and retain new employees from more disadvantaged backgrounds. Emphasis will be placed on supporting routeways into employment within the nine priority sectors.
Through the new regional Equality and Diversity Board we will deliver targeted activities to promote greater economic participation of disadvantaged groups and promote the value of a diverse vibrant workforce to the region. We will work more closely with the NHS, other partners contributing to health and with the voluntary and community sector within the region to maximise their contribution to inclusion.
We will support a regional cultural volunteering/placement programme – through greater co-ordination and take up of cultural led educational activities such as Creative Partnerships, the Museum Hub Education Programme or the Arts Award.
Statement of Priorities for Mental Health and Employment
The high levels of unemployment amongst individuals who experience mental health problems is currently a significant economic and social concern for the North East of England and one which has also received significant recent attention nationally.
In response to this, One NorthEast and key partners from various agencies such as the National Institute for Mental Health, Department of Health, Jobcentre Plus, Government Office North East, Mental Health Matters and others have commissioned a regional statement of priorities. This is aimed at advising the wider partnership involved in mental health and employability services on effective ways to help improve the employment of people with mental health difficulties.
We would very much welcome your views on this report by completing the feedback form via this link.
