Recently, The West Central Restart Scheme Partnership Team hosted the latest Local Engagement Meeting (LEM) at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham. The event brought together nearly 100 stakeholders, all dedicated to overcoming employment barriers. Representatives from provider organisations, local authorities, specialist partners, and Jobcentre Plus came together to address the critical challenges faced by participants on the Restart Scheme.  

The LEM focused on two major obstacles impeding the path to employment for many individuals: Health issues and English language proficiency for speakers of other languages (ESOL). The schedule was full of engaging and informative sessions where expert guest speakers facilitated meaningful discussions and offered actionable solutions to address these challenges.  

Thank you to all our guest speakers including Kitt Bevan from ExperienceLab, Dr. Mark Fosbrook from the WMCA, Nabila Gardner from Ways for Wellbeing, Hannah Fox from Thrive Mental Wellbeing, Zoe Bennett, BEM from Training Personified, Nusrat Hathiari from WEA and Serco’s own Theresa Comiskey, Emma Wood, and Mohammed Ali, who shared their insights and experiences. The speakers' shared expertise and testimony provided a rich foundation for stakeholders to explore innovative approaches and collaborative strategies for helping participant outcomes.  

The event's success was evident in the engagement and commitment demonstrated by all who attended. One attendee stated that “The LEM has been really beneficial. There has been lots of useful information shared that I can share with the team for them to use to progress participants.”   

Another said “I am already utilising Serco and WEA for ESOL at our office. I am now going to promote the Thrive App and USB (Training Personified Unique Self Booster Programme) to ensure that we are utilising these services efficiently and effectively.”  

Our efforts are leading to significant progress in breaking down barriers and guiding our Restart Scheme participants toward sustainable employment. Each step forward is a testament to our commitment and teamwork. By keeping the conversation alive and pushing forward with determination, we continue to make a real difference in the lives of many. 

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