Recycling Lives scoops coveted European Social Fund Award!

Recycling Lives has been presented with the prestigious European Social Fund (ESF) ‘Sustainable Development Specialist Project Leader’ award!

Our training co-ordinator, Sidonie Richardson, with the European Social Fund award

The annual ESF Leader Awards are organised by the European Social Fund Division, part of the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP). The DWP has responsibility for managing the ESF programme in England.

First launched in 2010, the ESF Leader Awards honour organisations that effectively promote equality and sustainable development whilst delivering ESF-supported projects. We have been crowned joint winner of the Sustainable Development Specialist Project category, along with Cornwall Council’s ‘Clear About Carbon’ project.

We help in delivering the Achieve North West project, which is part-funded by the ESF. Working with NOMS (National Offender Management Service), we improve the employability of ex-offenders through a comprehensive 16-week programme. The programme begins with a Preparation for Employment course that teaches individuals essential skills in health and safety, manual handling and first aid. Following this, individuals are given the opportunity to undertake a range of employment placements over a 15-week period. This equips them with the knowledge and confidence they need to return to full-time work and stops the cycle of re-offending that many individuals on probation find themselves trapped in.

And, as all individuals undertake work placements within Recycling Lives and within a number of our own rather brilliant eco-friendly social enterprises, the project promotes valuable environmental skills. For example, many individuals on the scheme are given the chance to work with Bulky Waste, a charity-driven service that collects, reuses and recycles unwanted furniture and white goods. Individuals gain experience refurbishing a large range of items, including sofas and tables, which are then sold on at the Recycling Lives charity furniture shop. If you haven’t given it a visit, pop on down to Kent Street in Preston and grab yourself a bargain!

We work in delivering the Achieve North West project by offering training and work experience to ex-offenders

The ESF award was presented to Recycling Lives in recognition of the company’s ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and helping ex-offenders get back to work – indeed, seven programme participants are now in full-time employment with Recycling Lives.

Commenting on the award, Recycling Lives training manager Rob Jackson said:

“It’s a real honour to receive the ESF Sustainable Development Specialist Project award. The training team has been working incredibly hard over the last year to dramatically change the lives of many ex-offenders, and this award is a testament to our success. We have enabled many individuals to make a fresh start in their lives and, with the help of NOMS and the excellent Achieve North West project, we will continue to do so.”

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