Following the launch of the government’s 10-Year Health Plan to address wider health inequalities, Southend, Basildon, and Thurrock will receive targeted funding. This funding will support NHS careers initiatives aimed at helping individuals who have previously faced barriers to employment.
The government has confirmed the new £5 million national pilot will support an initial 1,000 people nationally from groups or areas worst hit by unemployment into careers in the health service.
Local plans will build on the success of other initiatives in mid and south Essex, including the award-winning Anchor Ambition, and the Health and Care Academy, to help individuals develop important skills which support a move into the health and care sector, alongside support with job applications and preparing for interviews.
The NHS belongs to the communities it serves, and it should be a place where people from all backgrounds can build rewarding careers. This investment in Southend, Basildon, and Thurrock is an important step in removing barriers to employment and addressing the health inequalities that hold too many people back. By supporting local residents to join our health and care workforce, we are not only strengthening the NHS for the future but also creating opportunities that can change lives and help our communities thrive.
As one of the largest local employers and an anchor institution, we are committed to supporting employment from within our local communities. This scheme will ensure we can support local people into work and provide meaningful careers within their local NHS. We know that work doesn’t just pay, it provides opportunities to grow, live and thrive, improving health outcomes and preventing ill health in the long term. I am looking forward to seeing how this scheme will bring benefits for all of us.
The initiative will engage participants from disadvantaged backgrounds across the 10% most deprived areas of Southend, Basildon and Thurrock when it is launched later this Autumn.
Local health and care organisations will use a targeted approach to reach residents and communities furthest from work opportunities and least likely to benefit from mainstream support. By focusing on areas like Canvey, Tilbury, South Ockendon and central Southend, the project aims to ensure interventions reach the people and places with the highest structural barriers to employment.
Individuals who are supported by the programme will receive personalised preparation including health and care sector specific skills and NHS-ready training.
Participants may also have the opportunity to undertake a paid work placement in a local health and care employer, which will provide wraparound support including mentoring and pastoral care, to ensure readiness and retention in NHS career pathways.
Individuals could then move into roles like nursing support, customer services, administration, and support roles such as pharmacy, estates facilities and maintenance roles. These opportunities will kickstart exciting, long-term careers within health and care – boosting the local workforce and supporting patients.
Residents can find out more about current health and care career opportunities on the mid and south Essex careers platform:
Our People Your Future websiteLearn more about the Anchor programme and its work supporting communities:
Anchor Programme