Let’s Get Working!

Let’s Get Working is an exciting social prescribing project which is led by Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA). SEK are delivering this project across Thanet, Canterbury, Folkestone, Dover, Hythe and Shepway. SCDA are delivering services across East Sussex, and Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) are operating across West Kent and Medway. This project is funded by the Big Lottery and the European Social Fund.

Sara self-referred to The Let’s Get Working Project after being forced to give up her job due to health issues. Sara felt she was no longer employable and struggled with day-to-day confidence. Sara’s dream job was being able to make a living out of selling homemade crafts such as bags, scarves and sarongs as well as a wide range of other products. Sara worked with her Let’s Get Working Community Connector to build her confidence, knowledge and skills to turn a passion into a business. 

Sara registered with a self-employment course, through this and the work with her Community Connector she started selling face masks and matching bags in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

“During the COVID-19 Pandemic, I have been proactive in making face masks and accessories for family and friends. I have been exploring self-employment, advertising and selling on social media. This had boosted my confidence and increased my own belief in my business.”
–Let’s Get Working Participant. Sara – 50.–

How do I get involved?
GP/Medical health team referral: Your GP or other health professional can help you to access this project. We aim to build effective relationships with health professionals to provide support for patients who feel they would benefit from this additional support in their lives. The project follows the principles of the social prescribing model, which offers help to people who, in addition to their medical needs, would also benefit from making other life changes.  

Self-referral: Individuals can self-refer to the project. If you feel you would like to get involved or would wish to find out more about the project, please do get in touch.

Job Centre referral: You also can speak to your Job Centre Plus Work Coach about accessing the project. We are in regular communication with Job Centres across East Kent and are happy to receive referrals from Work Coaches on behalf of individuals who would benefit from accessing the project.

Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) CIC

We provide intensive, personally tailored and ongoing practical support for disadvantaged people over the age of 16, who are not in work or training due to a disability or long-term physical health condition.

Participants are assigned a dedicated Community Connector who will work closely with them to help them take their next steps towards employment, volunteering, work placements or getting involved in their local community.

The project can offer support with:

CV writing
Job applications
Cover letters
Skills-based training
Accessing volunteering opportunities
Getting involved in the local community
Meeting new people
Preparing for the workplace
Getting active
Building self-confidence and self-esteem

We can also help participants to access other services they might need.

Contact the East Kent Team:
Jess Bartindale, Operations Supervisor: 07718 975 721
email: j.bartindale@sekgroup.org.uk

https://sekgroup.org.uk/