16 March 2017
Charities in Jersey are being reminded that the Community Jobs Fund (CJF), provided by the Back to Work team at Social Security, can help get new projects off the ground. The CJF matches organisations with suitable jobseekers and will fund up to six months’ salary. In addition, they will assist with related costs such as training.
The CJF, which was launched in September 2013, creates community-based jobs for long-term unemployed jobseekers. It also enables charities and organisations to kick-start projects that might not otherwise happen due to a lack of resources. If a new role within a charity or organisation has a community benefit, regardless of size or scope, the CJF team can help.
One charity currently benefiting from the CJF is Barnardo’s Jersey, who recently recruited an administration assistant. The charity’s lead project worker, Steph Faudemer, said, “The scheme has been fantastic for Barnardo’s. It has enabled us to recruit someone to support our experienced project workers in preparing young people for the transition into independence. The whole process from start to finish was straight forward, and it’s giving us the freedom to spend more time with the young people that really need our support.”
Sammi Jo Hennequin, who recently started at Barnardo’s as an administration assistant, is already learning new skills. Sammi said, “Since starting my role at Barnardo’s I’ve started to learn new and valuable skills that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to gain elsewhere. My end goal is to become a social worker, and I feel that this experience is a stepping stone in the right direction.”
Deputy Graham Truscott, Social Security Assistant Minister, said the initiative was providing both a community benefit and an opportunity for jobseekers to develop their skills. “This initiative is making a real difference in our community by giving charities and organisations the chance to create new positions with an additional community benefit. It is also providing a route back to sustainable employment for our jobseekers by creating a platform for them to gain work experience and develop their skills. I’d urge anyone who believes the Community Jobs Fund could assist their organisation to get in touch.”
Since its launch, the CJF fund has enabled over 50 organisations to carry out a variety of community-based projects. So far parishes, sports clubs and a wide range of charities have benefited from the scheme. Some of the roles created include:
- support workers
- assistant caretakers
- events coordinators
- administration and retail assistants
- education assistants
- children’s club leaders
Organisations can apply to the fund by providing details of the role they would like to create and how the community would benefit as a result.
To find out more about the Community Jobs Fund call 01534 449467 or email cjf@gov.je.
gov.je