Jobs 22's Community Investment Fund grants £246k to five organisations targeting big social impact on local people.
Jobs 22, a leading provider of employment services in the UK, is pleased to announce the recipients of the second round of its Community Investment Fund. The Community Investment Fund, which is part of and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Restart Scheme, has given a total of £246k to five organisations committed to delivering a difference across East Central England.
The Community Investment Fund strives to support local projects that make lasting improvements for individuals and their communities, with nearly half a £million issued since 2023. In Round One, Jobs 22 awarded money to three amazing organisations: Belina Grow, Living Without Abuse, and Great Health Care, which are all achieving far beyond their expected outcomes to transform lives across the UK/Leicester.
The five successful projects from the second funding round are:
Lincoln City Foundation runs programmes across Lincolnshire, using football and other physical activities to encourage healthier living, improved social mobility, and access to employment. The project aims to enhance employability support for BAME individuals with English as a second language in Lincoln, improve the confidence of BAME residents, and increase their skills to better engage with the job market.
Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise (CARE) was formed in March 2011 as a non-profit community interest company to provide support to the local communities within the county of Staffordshire and surrounding areas. Its project will deliver four wellbeing and life skills courses that can be attended independently or as a progression pathway to improve mental health and wellbeing, support lifestyle changes, and address employment barriers. Participants will regain personal strength, build resilience, and engage in practical, positive activities inspired by nature.
Mind BLMK works across communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing, offering activities from their wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference in people's mental health and wellbeing in Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. This Milton Keynes project will support individuals with mental health challenges facing health inequalities. In a non-judgmental, safe space, participants will build self-esteem and confidence and set goals for volunteering, education, or employment.
One Stop Advice and Training Centre (OSAC) supports women from across Luton who have language and cultural barriers and cannot access mainstream services. The project aims to help women from diverse ethnic minorities in Luton understand and manage their financial situation, move towards employment and independence, and ultimately take more control of their lives. OSAC is a predominantly female-run organisation.
The Salvation Army is a worldwide Christian church and registered charity, fighting against social inequality and transforming lives for over 150 years. The CIF award will fund a new project addressing personal barriers to employment for participants in Lincoln, Gainsborough, Skegness, Louth, Rushden, and Northampton. Employment Development Coordinators (EDCs) will provide one-to-one support and create action plans tailored to individual needs and aspirations. Weekly sessions focus on employability skills like CV writing, interview coaching, and job applications. Additional
workshops cover digital skills, money management, housing, health and wellbeing, and community integration. Participants will also access vocational training, volunteer opportunities, and confidence-building activities.
Ayden Sims, AKG Country Manager and CEO of Jobs 22, affirmed: "After witnessing great success in Round One of the Community Investment Fund, we are confident that this latest funding will help continue important work assisting those in need across the East Central region where we deliver the Restart Scheme. By backing these inspiring national and local organisations, we help to boost community resilience, create opportunities for personal and professional growth, and drive positive change. We cannot wait to see this year's incredible outcomes and success stories."
About the Community Investment Fund
The Community Investment Fund is part of the Restart Scheme. It demonstrates Jobs 22's commitment to social value and was designed to fund unmet local needs while identifying innovative continuous improvement opportunities specific to Jobs 22's contract area. It is informed by evidence and data which respond to gaps in provision or trends identified through research. The Fund aims to add social value, create lasting socio-economic impact, and empower local people and communities to develop new skills and progress towards better, more sustainable work. The Fund strives to be adaptable in its approach and genuinely responsive to the needs of people and the communities in which they live.