A SCHEME aimed at helping people with medical conditions find work has just registered its 1,000th participant.

The Solent Jobs Programme was set up in early 2017 and offers help to anyone living in the area with a recognised health condition who has been out of work.

The scheme is funded by Southampton and Portsmouth City Deal and the European Social Fund, and offers intensive support for jobseekers including confidence building, employability skills and a paid work placement. The placements are cost free to the businesses involved and the candidate is paid the living wage for up to 25 hours a week by the placement agency.

Cabinet member for education and skills at Southampton City Council, Darren Paffey said: “The Solent Jobs Programme is a truly life changing scheme. Not only does it empower the candidates involved, who have often lost their confidence in their value as an employee, but it also provides a cost free means for local businesses to tap in to a resource of talent that they may not have encountered otherwise.

“We need other local companies to engage with the programme, to discover the rewards it will offer them and the candidates that they can take on.”

One of the success stories from the programme is Tiana King, who was looking to return to work after a long-term struggle with anxiety.

From the beginning Tiana made it clear she wanted help with a career path and not just a job.

Previously Tiana had worked in insurance so her advisor contacted Fiander Tovell (Chartered Accountants) in Southampton, who were keen to provide a placement.

Tiana undertook a six month project placement in January 2017 and settled in well.

HR Manager at Fiander Tovell, Fiona Harwood commented: “Working with Solent Jobs Programme has been a very positive experience for us here at Fiander Tovell. Tiana settled in very quickly and has made a positive contribution to the business. We wish her all the best as she progresses to a permanent role.”

Tiana said: “The Solent Jobs Programme has really helped me to boost my confidence and beat my anxieties. I now feel ready to be able to work full time again and am looking into getting my teaching degree. I wouldn't have been able to do this without the support I have been given and the opportunity at Fiander Tovell.”