Foundation of Light is calling on Sunderland supporters to help secure much-needed funding which will tackle unemployment across the North East.
The Aviva Community Fund offers the chance for charities and community organisations to receive grants for projects which make a positive difference to the lives of local people.
The Foundation has applied for £25,000 in the 'Supporting the Younger Generation' category and needs the Red and White Army, their friends and family to visit https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/16-2847 and vote for the award-winning Back in the Game employability programme.
There are over 3,890 people who are long-term unemployed within Sunderland central which is just one of the areas where the Foundation of Light operates.
As well as the obvious financial implications, wider issues of being out of work also include mental well-being with 20.29% of Wearside residents suffering from depression or mental health issues – the highest in the North East.
Back in the Game is a free and unique employability programme designed to support jobseekers across the North East in finding work by raising their skills and confidence while assisting learners throughout the application to work process.
In 2015, Back in the Game was awarded the National Project of the Year prize as part of Adult Learners Week for its remarkable achievements of helping over 50% of learners into work or re-enter training or education.
The Aviva Community funding will support an additional course directed towards specific work skills including functional skills qualifications, personal and social development and fitness sessions and help with job searches, applications and work placements with over 100 businesses partnered with the Foundation of Light.