Motiv8, the pioneering project which supports disadvantaged and vulnerable residents across Greater Manchester to overcome barriers to work, has won a national award in recognition of how it has helped transform people’s lives.
Last night (Tuesday 3rd November 2020) it was announced as the winner of the Festival of Learning 2020 Project award which celebrates the power of learning to transform lives, and encourages more adults to take part.
Motiv8 focuses on people facing complex challenges and barriers to work who are often left behind by other services and to-date has supported more than 3,000 residents across Greater Manchester.
The service works with people to create a personalised action plan and helps them access a wide range of learning opportunities and essential skills, such as budgeting, time-keeping and courses to build confidence.
Mark, a Motiv8 participant, said: “I had absolutely no motivation and just felt that I was failing at everything. Motiv8 put me on a pre-employment construction training course and as a result of that I’m now employed as a mature apprentice with Guinness Property. Motiv8 supported me every step of the way and I can’t thank them enough.”
Hazel Clarke, Head of Jigsaw Support who leads the project, said: “Our key workers create and co-ordinate a tailored support package through which people access a wide range of services. So far we have achieved over 8,800 positive outcomes in areas such as health and wellbeing, finance and employability and self confidence for those we have worked with.”
Stephen Evans, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute said: “We congratulate Motiv8 on the outstanding and crucial work they are doing to support people living in some of the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester to overcome significant barriers to employment. The personalised approach is making a notable difference to individuals and in turn to their families and communities.”
Motiv8 is funded by the National Lottery Community Funds and the European Social Fund and is delivered by a partnership of social housing providers led by Jigsaw Support, part of Jigsaw Group.
