New projects helping woman and people from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in west London find work has been launched.

Paddington Development Trust (PDT) has received funding for the projects, which will also cover parts of central and north London.

The project will run three years and see PDT and seven partner organisations funded by a £1.8 million National Lottery grant and £900,000 from the European Social Fund (ESF) London Councils to support those who struggle to find jobs and training to get into paid work.

They will focus on women and BME communities, women who have never worked or can only work part time - including those who have traditionally stayed at home - and people who have been unemployed for long stretches of time and want to return to work and start earning a living wage.

Specialist partners will also focus on the needs of people who have been homeless, who are dealing with mental health challenges or who are recovering from drug or alcohol related problems.

PDT’s CEO, Neil Johnston said: “This is a strong partnership of community-based organisations bringing specialist knowledge to advise and guide disadvantaged groups and families to a better life.

“These new projects will create ‘first steps’ including work trials, skills training courses, work placements and part time jobs. They will work for people facing social exclusion, multiple socio-economic barriers, child care responsibilities, health problems or are making a first step back to work.”

It is projected more than 1,000 people living in Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Haringey, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster will benefit.

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