Led by Clive Thomas, Serco Restart Scheme’s Partnership Coordinator, in partnership with Jobs22, the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Network works collaboratively with charities, employers, government and training providers across the regions to ensure marginalised groups are supported into sustainable employment. This enables individualised and tailored support to all Participants on the Restart Scheme.

On Thursday 7^th December, the first in-person Coventry & Warwickshire Network event took place at CBS Arena. Invited to give an inspirational talk to open the event was Zoe Bennet from Training Personified who spoke about achieving your goals and honing a “never give up” attitude. This was followed by an open mic opportunity for organisations to take to the stage and introduce themselves and the services they offer. This was particularly valuable for those in attendance that did not have an information stand, as it was the only opportunity to promote their services to the audience. For representatives with stands, they used the open mic sessions to give an overview of their organisation and direct attendees their stand.

Then networking commenced, which encouraged attendees from the range of organisations to introduce themselves to each other with the aim of forging links and working together to support citizens of the region. The event hosted over 30 organisations representing charities, employers, training providers, health, and cost of living support with a stand sharing information.

Following this, Charlotte Smith, the Delivery Lead for Warwickshire Supported Employment Service spoke about the organisation and what inspired her to pursue a career in this industry. Warwickshire Supported Employment Service supports young people and adults with autism and learning disabilities with an aspiration to work.

Finally, the network had selected a local charity to support over the Christmas season. This was Zoe’s Place Hospice which provides palliative and respite care for very or terminally ill babies and children up to five years old. Thanks to the efforts of the network, over 130 boxes of chocolates were donated for the children supported by the charity and their nurses.

In addition to the networking activities, Clive Thomas used the event to provide a work experience opportunity. On the day, there were four Participants volunteering as event staff from the Restart Scheme. They were Elzbieta, Iveta, Zoe and Emma. They supported by owning a number of duties including preparing name badges, welcoming attendees, setting up stands and collecting feedback. We thank them for their support and wish them luck on their job search.

Thank you to everyone who attended and those listed below who helped make the event a success.

• Princes Trust - charity that supports vulnerable young people build confidence, get a job or start a business.
• Smartworks - charity who helps unemployed women.
• Kindred CSR - consultancy working with SMEs on their social value journey.
• North Warwickshire and South Leicester College - offers a variety of courses in different industries, abilities and format.
• National Express - UK wide employer.
• Penderels Trust - supporting people with independent living.
• Shaw Trust - Thrive Into Work - a free employment support service tailored to meet the individual's needs.
• Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre - provides impartial and confidential advice to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants living in Coventry.
• Family Action - a charity providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty or disadvantage.
• Health Exchange - a low level intervention scheme for anxiety and depression to help promote a happy, healthy mental wellbeing.
• St Giles Trust - charity using expertise and real-life past experiences to empower people.
• Rethink mental illness - charity that seeks to improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness.
• Illuminate VR Services Ltd - supports organisations to manage mental wellbeing / disability through vocational rehabilitation.
• The Better Health Generation - deliver work-focused health services, help your people find and sustain meaningful employment.
• Act on Energy - offers expert energy advice, help with energy bills, and government funded grants for heating systems and insulation.
• Intuitive Thinking Skills - Leaders in Attitude Behaviour Change, provide mentoring and courses.
• Salvation Army - interntional charity supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
• WEA - adult learning courses, many free of charge.
• My Bnk - charity specialising in financial education for 7-25 year olds. 
• Workpays - training provider with multiple locations across the midlands.
• St Francis Employability - based in Coventry provides essential services including a social supermarket, ESOL and skills lessons.
• RMF Training - provides free accredited training courses in construction. 
• Volunteering Matters - empowers young people to make a difference through youth social action. 
• Heart of England - leading, independent grant making foundation in the region.