LONG term unemployed in Worcestershire have been given a boost with the news of a possible £1m boost to help them.

The Big Lottery and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership have announced that Fusion, a consortium of 24 Worcestershire based not for profit organisations, has been successful in moving forward to stage two to develop full proposals for the investment of £1m of Lottery and European Social Investment Funding to move long term unemployed into work.

The Worcestershire Building Better Opportunities has been shaped by Worcestershire LEP and is part of the European Social Investment Fund 2014-2020 programme to invest in local projects tackling the root causes of poverty, promoting social inclusion and driving local jobs and growth. In Worcestershire the principal housing associations and Redditch Borough Housing came together with a range of local and specialist voluntary sector organisations, Heart of Worcestershire College and the Health and Care Trust to form Fusion. By working together, Fusion can help those needing extra support into work. This includes people with disabilities, adults with learning disabilities, long term unemployed, ex-offenders and young people with no work experience.

Clare Huyton, chairman of Fusion and executive director housing, care & communities with Fortis Living, said: "The Worcestershire voluntary sector and housing providers have led on work helping some of the most vulnerable people into employment. We are delighted that this is now being recognised and collectively we will receive external funding which will allow us to help more people."

Gary Woodman, executive director of Worcestershire LEP, added: "We have been working with the local voluntary sector and housing providers to develop ideas on how best to use this funding and we are delighted they have been successful in their bid. Businesses in Worcestershire are committed to bringing prosperity to the county and all its residents. This investment will ensure those furthest from the labour market, will receive the right support to help them into sustained employment so they can both contribute and benefit from the growing economy."

Rachel Lathan, chairman of Rooftop Housing Association, said: “It’s wonderful that this strong local partnership has secured this support. We’re in Worcestershire working for Worcestershire. Being employed benefits everyone; it helps families, builds communities and increases opportunities for others. We’re really proud of what we have all achieved.”