Earlier this year, Black Country Job Support began offering support to residents of Walsall, as part of a Community Renewal Fund (CRF) Project.
The CRF 50+ Project is aimed at individuals aged over 50 plus in the Walsall area, supporting individuals to navigate through information, advice and guidance on healthy lifestyles, employment and training opportunities.
As part of the project, our Loneliness and Social Isolation Worker, Anne, has been offering bespoke support based on the needs of each individual. This can include advice on life skills courses, support to access local training and employment, and support to engage with benefits system, to name a few.
Anne tells us about a client she’s supported through the CRF 50+ project, and the huge impact and development she’s seen since working together:
“I’ve been supporting a gentleman on the CRF 50+ project. The client left school with very little education but is now keen to learn and improve.
As a stepping stone I registered him onto a three day Basic IT course at the library, which he told me he thoroughly enjoyed! To introduce the client back into an educational setting, I arranged for him to meet a Community Development Officer at Walsall College, who gave him a tour around the Hawbush Campus, the client was quite surprised how many older students were there, again breaking down barriers for him. I met with the client at the College Open Day and an appointment was made for the gentleman to attend a meeting to prepare and explain the process of enrolment.
This is a big step for a gentleman in his 50’s returning back to education having struggled all his life with reading, writing and maths.”
To celebrate the many success stories like this one, The CRF 50 + project is hosting the over 50’s Wellbeing & Skills Event at The Hub, Walsall College on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 (check out the details in our events calendar!). Come along for an exciting day of activities for all, including free food, health checks, arts, crafts, yoga and much more! There will also be digital skills sessions, as well as attendance from employers, training providers and leisure services. To find out more, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us on 07909 213184.