Routes 2 Work, the award-winning employment initiative delivered by Derwent & Solway Housing Association (D&S), a member of Harvest Housing Group, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and will be unveiling a book detailing its many successes.

Routes 2 Work was launched in 2001 following a commitment to the regeneration of West Cumbria by Allerdale Borough Council. Since then the initiative has helped over 3,500 people facing a range of barriers to employment back into work and training. In addition it has successfully secured over £5.7 million of funding to develop and deliver a range of bespoke interventions tailored to the individual’s needs.

To date this funding has been utilised for a range of purposes including the opening of a dedicated employment and training centre, community outreach workers, classroom assistant training for 24 individuals and the introduction of ‘Meet the Employer’ jobs fairs.

In 2008 Routes 2 Work was recognised with the prestigious Housing Corporation Gold Award in the Tackling Worklessness category for its unique approach and received a £50,000 grant to disseminate best practice to other housing associations.

Commenting, Julie Wedgwood, Manager of the Routes 2 Work initiative said: “At Routes 2 Work over the past ten years we have worked with some wonderful organisations and individuals. Primarily the success of the initiative is down to these excellent partnerships and the commitment everyone has shown. We enjoy today exactly what we enjoyed ten years ago, helping others.”

The Routes 2 Work 10-year anniversary event will take place at the Northside Community Centre in Workington on Wednesday 23 November. As well as the official book launch, the event will welcome many of the organisations and individuals from the public, private and voluntary sector who have contributed to the success of the unique employment initiative.

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