Stockport VCFSE Work & Skills Fund

Trailblazing a person-centred approach to economic inactivity in Stockport

Part of the Greater Manchester Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Programme

Funded by the UK Government. Delivered in partnership with Sector 3, Stockport Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Sector 3 worked with Stockport Council’s Economy, Work & Skills Team to create the VCFSE Work & Skills Fund, a pioneering initiative launched to tackle employment inequalities and create inclusive opportunities for disadvantaged people across Stockport.

Six VCFSE organisations received funding to deliver person-centred approaches to tackling entrenched barriers to unemployment in Stockport.

This funding has now been extended for another year, furthering the impact across Stockport.

By placing VCFSE organisations at the heart of delivery, the programme has harnessed deep local knowledge, trusted relationships, and lived‑experience insight - elements that traditional systems alone cannot replicate.

The Stockport VCFSE Work and Skills Fund is part of the
Greater Manchester Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Programme.

The fund plays an important role in Stockport’s Live Well initiative, joining up public, private and VCFSE sectors to support residents to ‘live well’. It is part of a wider commitment to making Stockport a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of background or circumstance.

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

Regionally Recognised

‘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.’

- Taken from VSNW’s ‘A Greater Manchester Local Infrastructure Report: Economic Inactivity Trailblazer VCFSE Support Project’

Real Impact in Year One

Six organisations were awarded funding to deliver transformative projects between November 2025 and March 2026:

Real Impact in Year One

Six organisations were awarded funding to deliver transformative projects between November 2025 and March 2026:

Signpost for Carers delivered targeted training to help employers remove barriers for unpaid carers and adopt more inclusive practices.
Since the programme, Signpost for Carers have reported that carers are becoming more visible in the workplace, with employers better able to identify and support them.
One organisation alone identified five carers in their workforce and began tailored conversations to understand their needs.
The Garden House Marple are supporting 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.
Rising Stars North West are supporting Stockport residents aged 18-30 who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), at risk of becoming NEET, underemployed or seeking creative opportunities. The cohort receive a £1,500 event delivery budget to design, promote and deliver their own events at one or more partner venues in Stockport. 
DryWave worked with young people to co-create 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.
The cafe was born out of an idea from participants of The Goodness Collective’s existing coaching and development programme who were facing unemployment, isolation and low confidence. Through the weekly community cafe participants gain 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
P.I.E are piloting 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