Building Better Opportunities (BBO)
Employment Support – Building Better Opportunities
Onside Independent Advocacy are part of Fusion, a partnership between local Housing Providers and Voluntary Organisations and proud to be carrying out the Building Better Opportunities (BBO) project funded through the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Who we are and what we do
Life presents many challenges and through our extensive experience of helping people with complex needs, we understand the many barriers that prevent people from engaging in meaningful employment.
Our Job Coaches can offer you support when you are looking for work or want to engage in training or education.
Our Job Coaches will act as one point of contact to plan and monitor your progress towards your job or training goals.
You will receive one on one personalised support to suit your individual needs. This support will include, but will not be limited to:
- Supporting you to overcome barriers preventing you from progressing
- Help with job searching and support with application forms
- Writing letters to employers and advice on applying for jobs
- CV feedback and creating new CVs with covering letters
- Developing and improving interview skills - whether you’ve been to a few interviews or none at all, we’ll take you through all the key things you need to know
- Disclosing information to employers including health conditions and criminal convictions where needed
- Identify suitable training opportunities
- Finding out what support is available externally and signposting where appropriate
- Contacting employers – linking with local supportive employers and presenting yourself confidently and positively
- In-work benefit calculations
Additional sessions can be formulated specific to individual requirements
If you feel you would benefit from this support or would like further information please contact one of our Job Coaches
Tel: 01905 27525 or email: bbo@onside-advocacy.org.uk or complete an enquiry/referral form and email it back to our BBO email address
About Fusion
Fusion was created in 2014 with the vision of Housing Partners and specialist local Voluntary Community Sector organisations coming together to deliver Worcestershire wide employment solutions and providing better, more comprehensive and coherent services; producing valuable outcomes for residents in need of help moving into sustainable paid employment.
Vestia Community Trust led the work to establish Fusion and act as lead in the delivery of Building Better Opportunities Local Enterprise Partnership/Lottery contracts in Worcestershire. Having been successful, a county-wide programme of Employment Support for those furthest from the job market has now been established.
Building Better Opportunities
Building Better Opportunities (BBO) is designed to help local people move closer to or into employment, improve lives and secure the future prosperity of Worcestershire. Fusion has been successful to date in being awarded three contracts which have brought a £3 million investment into the county to support this.
BBO commenced in Worcestershire in October 2016 and has brought together 13 delivery partners with specialist subject knowledge of housing, homelessness, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, criminal justice and mental ill health offering all of our participants a safe and informed route to move them forwards.
Building Better Opportunities is funded through the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund. From 2014 – 2020, £11m of European Social Funding (ESF) became available to invest in 'Social and Economic Inclusion', tackling the root causes of poverty, promoting social inclusion and driving local jobs and growth.
BBO offers tailored, one-to-one support to get you back on track and remove barriers to work. From the day we meet you to your first pay cheque, we will be on hand to support you to gain the skills needed to move into work, life coaching and personal development at a pace that suits you and your circumstances. No matter what stage of your employment journey, Fusion through Building Better Opportunities is here to help.
Meet the Onside Job Coaches
| Benjamin Streames | |
|
Onside |
Hello I’m Benjamin, a Building Better Opportunities Coach for Onside Advocacy in Worcester. My previous career was in communications for multinational corporation where despite the intense role I most notably enjoyed engaging with and support staff development and growth. Seeing people excel and move forward brought me a true sense of accomplishment. At the same as a volunteer in Chicago I got the opportunity to teach entrepreneurial and financial skills to underprivileged youths, this really cemented the idea that I needed to find a more altruistic environment. This made me realise my passions and the need to find a career where I could do the most possible good for others. With vast experience within businesses, multiple sectors, and the development of employees I have great insight to help an individual get on the path that they want. Whether that’s getting the foundations in place with understanding what you want to do but then onto the path of accomplishing it. So, whether you need advice or support with getting the ball rolling with a CV or applications , or whether you want to learn some new skills and get some personal development or coaching . Whatever barrier there is we are here to help you overcome and succeed. |
| Email: | benjamin.streames@onside-advocacy.org.uk |
| Main Contact No: | 01905 27525 |
| Mobile No: | 07485 388365 |
| Helen Dodd | |
 Onside |
Hi, I’m Helen a Building Better Opportunities Coach for Onside Advocacy in Worcester. I really want to help you to achieve your goals whether it be education or employment. I understand how hard this can be, as due to the corona virus pandemic I, myself was made redundant twice and found getting work difficult. However, I am here and ready to support you to where you need it. My employment has been varied. I have worked in adult care, with young people who have offended or who are at risk of offending and those with mental health problems. Most recently I have been a tutor supporting people on apprenticeships to overcome barriers and complete their courses in Health and Social care and Maths and English. I can support you with CV writing, interview techniques and completing application forms. If it is education, then I will support you to find the right course for you. |
| Email: | helen.dodd@onside-advocacy.org.uk |
| Main Contact No: | 01905 27525 |
| Mobile No: | 07483 019242 |
| Adam Little | |
|
Onside |
Hello I’m Adam, a Building Better Opportunities Coach for Onside Advocacy in Worcester. I have experience of working within a range of settings from education to mental health. I have had specialist training in various areas of employment support and want to use the skills and knowledge I have gained to help you in your search for work. I have worked at most levels of employment support, having led and managed departments inclusive of employment advice. We can work together to formulate a plan and take steps, small or large towards getting you ready and into employment. |
| Email: | Adam.Little@onside-advocacy.org.uk |
| Main Contact No: | 01905 27525 |
| Mobile No: | 07485 333609 |
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that you may find useful including our BBO Job Coach Service Webinar and a radio interview with one of our Job Coaches and a client.
- BBO Job Coaches Webinar
You can watch the webinar below or download it here: https://www.onside-advocacy.org.uk/download_file/766/0
- Radio Interview with Job Coach, Nicky Clegg and her Client.
You can listen to or download the radio interview here: https://www.onside-advocacy.org.uk/download_file/767/0