Rossendale Works, an employment support project delivered by Active Lancashire on behalf of Rossendale Borough Council, has secured funding to deliver a brand-new employment and wellbeing programme to residents through Rossendale’s Our Towns Plan, funded via the UK Government’s Pride in Place programme.
The Employment and Wellbeing Support programme will be delivered every Wednesday at Marl Pits Leisure Centre, providing a variety of activities and support opportunities for residents looking to secure employment, enter education or gain qualifications.
The programme is open to Rossendale residents who are not in employment, education or training and will provide access to a free gym membership thanks to Marl Pits Leisure Centre, as well a variety of physical activities including five-a-side football. Alongside this, participants will be able to meet local employers, receive employability support from the Rossendale Works team, and access free training and qualifications thanks to Active Lancashire’s Learning Zone.
The programme forms part of the Pride in Place ten-year regeneration plan (2026-2036) for Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Crawshawbooth, and is funded by UK Government.
Paul Becouarn, Project Lead for Rossendale Works, said: “We’re delighted to receive funding to deliver the Employment and Wellbeing Support Programme, which will enable us to support more residents than ever before in entering employment or education, whilst also helping them to improve their overall wellbeing.
“We are dedicated to transforming the lives of local people by providing them with the tools, training, and connections they need to succeed in today’s job market. The Pride in Place Programme will provide participants with the chance to connect directly with employers to explore local job opportunities, whilst providing wraparound support through physical activity, employability and skills workshops, and access to training and qualifications.”
Iain Taylor, Chair of the Pride in Place Board, added: “I’m delighted to see this programme launch as part of our long-term vision for Rossendale. By combining employment support, training and wellbeing activities, it offers residents practical, accessible routes into work and education while improving overall health. This is a strong example of how Pride in Place is creating real opportunities for our communities.”
Sessions are set to begin on Wednesday 13th May at Marl Pits Leisure Centre, with employment support taking place between 11AM and 12:30PM, and physical activity sessions following at 12:50PM until 2PM. Further provision including walking groups, physical activity sessions and access to training is also due to begin within the Edgeside Ward of Rossendale in the coming weeks.
For further information, please contact Oliver Chadwick, Employment Support Officer at Rossendale Works via: OliverChadwick@rossendalebc.gov.uk or 07562630299. Alternatively, a detailed summary of Rossendale Works’ support and weekly timetable can be found at www.ActiveLancashire.org.uk
