VCFSE-led employment scheme in Stockport extended after early success

Stockport’s VCFSE Work & Skills Fund (also known as the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer) has been confirmed for a second year of funding. 

In Stockport, a programme taking a person-centred, community-led approach to unemployment has secured a second year of funding after showing real impact in its first year. 

Delivered through local VCFSE organisations, who are already trusted in their communities, the programme focuses on working with individuals at their own pace, rather than expecting them to fit into a standard system. 

It’s helping people who are often missed by traditional employment support, including those facing challenges around mental health, isolation, or caring responsibilities. Instead of focusing only on job outcomes, it starts with confidence, connection and building a sense of purpose. 

Impact on Stockport residents from the first year has seen: 

• A group of women who were experiencing low self-esteem and isolation, coming together to create and run a community café, building skills and confidence along the way 

• Young people reframing their lived experience into strengths that employers can recognise 

• Participants who have gone from volunteering to paid roles through the programme itself 

Building on a strong first year, the funding will allow six local organisations to continue and expand their work supporting residents who face the biggest barriers to employment. 

Funded through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), via Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), and administered by Sector 3, the programme first ran from November 2025 to 31 March 2026. 

A programme designed to remove barriers to work 

The fund is part of Stockport’s Live Well initiative and focuses on creating fairer access to employment. It brings together community organisations, employers and public services to: 

• Tackle inequalities in access to work 

• Help employers adopt more inclusive recruitment and workplace practices 

• Build stronger partnerships between businesses and community organisations 

• Increase opportunities for residents facing the greatest barriers to employment 

The goal was to move individuals closer to employment, through person-centred approaches, not necessarily into employment itself. However, the success of the programme is such that some participants have gone on to be employed to support the delivery of the funded activities. 

Stockport’s approach has been recognised across Greater Manchester and beyond for its joined-up approach, connecting the dots cross-sector, with Sector 3 having been commissioned to share learning from this model across the region. 

A report by Voluntary Sector North West highlighted the importance of this approach: 

‘The Stockport model shows what is achievable: sustained, values-led, relationship-based engagement infrastructure connected to but not dependent on any single programme. What made it effective was not the programme funding but the sustained investment in relationship-building over time, the values-led approach that prioritised trust before transaction, and a funded lead role with time to maintain the connections.’ 

John Hannen from Voluntary Sector North West said: 

“We were really impressed with the work led by Sector 3 in Stockport. This collective approach created shared learning and real-time problem solving and shows what could be achieved elsewhere.” 

Jo McGrath, CEO at Sector 3, said: 

“The Trailblazer (Work & Skills Fund) has shown that progress happens when support is built around real lives. 

VCFSE organisations are trusted and rooted in their communities. By bringing together local partners, employers and public services, this programme is not just changing individual outcomes, but also challenging how systems work.” 

The extension of funding will protect and build on this progress. It will give organisations the stability to support more participants and to deepen their impact. 

Second-year funding will enable: 

• Expansion of successful projects to reach more residents 

• Stronger relationships between employers and community organisations 

• More inclusive workplaces across Stockport 

Real impact in year one 

In its first year, the fund has already made a clear difference to Stockport residents’ lives, confidence and future opportunities: 

Pathway to Purpose – DryWave 

Young people co-created a toolkit to help employers recognise the skills gained through lived experience, reframing challenges with mental health, addiction or care experiences into strengths such as resilience, emotional intelligence, leadership, problem solving and adaptability. 

Empowering Wavers Community Cafe – The Goodness Collective 

The cafe was born out of an idea from participants of an existing coaching and development programme who were facing unemployment, isolation and low confidence. Through the weekly community cafe participants gained practical work experience, training and confidence. 

“I’ve gained confidence in myself and my ideas, especially around creating and leading my own workshops. It’s helped me realise what kind of spaces I feel most comfortable and safe working in, and how important that is for me moving forward. I’ve also learned a lot about community work, communication, and supporting others, as well as trusting my instincts and setting boundaries. Overall, it’s been a really valuable experience that’s helped me get clearer on the direction I want to go in” 

- Empowering Wavers participant 

Stockport Cultural Trailblazers – Rising Stars NW 

Supported seven participants aged 18-30 who were NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), at risk of becoming NEET, underemployed or seeking creative opportunities. The cohort received a £1,500 event delivery budget to design, promote and deliver their own events at one or more partner venues in Stockport.  

ELEVATE – The Garden House, Marple 

The programme supported young people facing anxiety and isolation to rebuild confidence and routine. 

One participant was able to leave the house and engage in structured activity for the first time in months, with their family reporting a renewed positive outlook. 

A carer, who started out volunteering to support the delivery of the programme, has since gone on to be employed to facilitate the course, demonstrating how volunteering builds confidence to influence future career prospects. 

Building on strong foundations 

Some programmes are already seeing wider, longer-term impact: 

Think Carer, Carer Champion Workplace Training - Signpost for Carers 

Created and delivered a course focused on removing barriers for unpaid carers and improving inclusive recruitment, accessibility, trauma informed practices, mental health, and/or flexible job design. 

Since the programme, Signpost for Carers have seen a reported increased visibility of carers, employers able to identify carers in their workforce (one organisation immediately identified five such employees, and individualised conversations held with them to better understand their circumstances and how to better support them). 

This work is making carers more visible in the workplace and helping employers better support them. 

Skill up Stockport – PIE: Pursuing Individual Excellence 

Piloted new ways for Stockport’s VCFSE Sector to offer meaningful work experience and volunteer opportunities for young people aged 16+ who are NEET, at risk of NEET, or care leavers. Businesses were invited to support VCFSE Partners by sharing skills, offering meeting or event spaces, attending training sessions, and contributing expertise around employability and workforce development.  

“[Young people are] enthusiastic and eager to do things” 

“[We realised] how easy it can be to support young people” 

 – two employers engaged as part of the NextGen networking events run by PIE: Pursuing Individual Excellence 

A long-term investment in Stockport 

The fund is a key part of Stockport’s Live Well vision: a joined-up approach that helps residents to live well and thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

By continuing this funding into a second year, Stockport is investing in long-term change, supporting individuals, strengthening communities and building a more inclusive local economy. 

Watch how the Stockport’s Work & Skills Fund is making a difference to residents here