A local man has turned his life around after engaging with Rossendale Works, a community-focused employability programme that supports residents in overcoming personal and professional barriers to find meaningful work.
Rossendale Works is a partnership between Rossendale Borough Council, Active Lancashire, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The initiative provides tailored one-to-one support, access to skills development, volunteering placements, and employment opportunities for individuals facing multiple challenges—including mental health issues, long-term unemployment, and social isolation.
Since its launch in 2017, Rossendale Works has supported over 400 local people into sustainable employment. The programme takes a holistic approach, focusing not only on employment but also on confidence-building, wellbeing, and community reconnection.
One recent success story is Chris, who discovered Rossendale Works through a Facebook post. At the time, Chris was struggling with depression and severe social isolation, feeling that he didn’t fit in anywhere and had little motivation to engage with the world around him.
That changed when he began attending Rossendale Works sessions every Monday and Thursday. The regularity and supportive atmosphere gave him structure and helped him build confidence. Chris describes the programme as giving him “a reason to get out of bed in the morning.”
With growing confidence, Chris took on a volunteer role at the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary Charity Shop in Bacup, gaining valuable experience and reconnecting with his local community.
Chris said, “the only way I can describe looking for a job at almost 50 years old is like looking through the wrong end of a telescope. It takes people like the employees at Rossendale Works to teach you not to give up, but to turn the telescope around!
“I don’t know if Rossendale Works realise just how much they have supported me – a huge thank you to their team for all of their help and encouragement!”
Now, Chris has secured a position at a local health equipment manufacturer, where he is thriving. Chris continues to attend sessions ran by Rossendale Works where possible, even stating that he would love to volunteer in the future and support others who are in similar positions to him
Rossendale Works Employability Officer, Oliver Chadwick, who worked with Chris from the beginning of his journey, said, “I’m incredibly proud of the progress Chris has made in such a short period of time. It takes real courage to admit you need help and to take that first step—and Chris not only did that, but showed real commitment by engaging with us twice a week.
“Through consistent support and the use of physical activity as a tool to build confidence and wellbeing, Chris was able to overcome the significant barriers that had been holding him back—not just from employment, but from connecting with others and finding a sense of belonging.
“Seeing him now, thriving in his new role and re-engaged with the community, is a real testament to what can happen when the right support is in place.”
Rossendale Works offers a variety of free, weekly activities open to those of all abilities, including both physical activity sessions and access to free training and qualifications. For more information, visit www.activelancashire.org.uk or email [email protected].
