Wise Steps offers one-to-one, long term support for anyone who has multiple barriers to work across Tyne and Wear.
The support we provide is participant-led and based on individual needs. We offer a minimum of 9 months of support during which participants will be helped to identify and overcome their barriers to work. These needs may include support with confidence and motivation, mental health and wellbeing, basic skills including digital inclusion, debt and benefit advice, gaining job-specific skills, accessing services and improving social skills and personal networks.
Participants receive 1-1 support from their Coach from start to finish, as well as access to support from any of our specialist partners, such as debt advice, basic skills, digital inclusion, counselling, volunteering and wellbeing support. For participants who feel they are 'job ready' at any point on the journey, we offer support and resources for moving into employment and self-employment, training opportunities, and up to 3 months of in-work support.
In Sunderland, support is delivered by six organisations; The Wise Group, Gentoo, International Community Organisation of Sunderland (ICOS), Pallion Action Group, Sunderland North Community Business Centre (SNCBC) and Sunderland YMCA.
Support on Wise Steps is available to anyone who:
- Is 16 or over
- Has the right to work in the UK
- Is not in paid work (inc. economically inactive)
- Lives in Tyne and Wear
- Has multiple barriers to work
Covid-19 support pledge
We take every precaution in order to ensure all participants and staff remain safe by offering a blend of support. We offer remote delivery to suit participant needs. This can be by phone, email, video meetings, social media and online resources. Where face to face support is offered, we will ensure that this is in line with all government guidelines.