Sustainable Employment

What does it take to help someone furthest from the job market move into sustainable employment? For Groundwork, the answer goes far beyond CV workshops and interview preparation. It starts with a people-first approach, knowing and working with a community and a long-term commitment to a place.

For more than 40 years, Groundwork has worked alongside communities across Greater Manchester, helping people improve their life chances and build brighter futures. We know that finding work is often just one step in a much bigger journey. Before someone can thrive in employment, they may need support with their wellbeing, confidence, social connections, financial stability or mental health.

This approach reflects the ambitions of Greater Manchester’s Live Well movement, helping ensure that great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood.

In this blog we outline our six steps approach to supporting people to find and sustain employment, providing examples from our work in Tameside.

Our Six Step ‘Root’ to Employment

1. Planting Roots in the Community

We embed ourselves in communities, making support visible and accessible to residents. Through proactive outreach, people connect with Groundwork directly or via trusted professionals such as GPs, housing, and community services. Our place-based approach builds trust in areas facing multiple challenges, guided by our caring and collaborative values. Our local presence helps people take their first steps toward living well, reassured they are not alone.

2. Nurturing Individual Growth

We build one-to-one relationships using a person-centred approach, shaping support around what each individual wants and feels ready for. Through holistic, trauma-informed coaching, practitioners understand each person’s needs, address underlying challenges, and provide tailored support and signposting. We prioritise safety, build trust through transparency, and empower individuals to lead their journey. We respect cultural differences, challenge stereotypes, and create a safe space where people feel confident to engage and ask for what they need.

3. Cultivating Connection with Nature

We support people to improve health and wellbeing through accessible activities, prioritising natural settings. Starting from each person’s comfort zone, we offer options such as walking, spending time outdoors, or building confidence in green spaces, alongside indoor alternatives where needed. Support remains practical and tailored, helping reduce barriers like travel. This enables people to engage gradually, feel at ease, and experience the benefits of being active and connected to nature.

4. Growing Confidence and Community

Our community-based activities build confidence, establish positive routines, and reduce isolation. People form friendships, tackle practical challenges, and explore new interests. Activities are community-led and democratically shaped, encouraging residents to try new experiences, from improving IT skills to growing and cooking local produce. Our green community hubs provide safe, welcoming spaces where people can volunteer, develop responsibility, and rediscover the value of learning.

5. Branching into Employment

As confidence grows and basic needs are met, people begin to explore opportunities for work. We connect residents with employment specialists who, alongside our coaches, support progression in line with individual interests. Support remains tailored to each person’s needs, abilities, and aspirations, including personalised action plans, CV development, applications, interview preparation, and skills workshops. This stage helps individuals extend their reach and move toward sustainable employment.

6. Sustaining Growth at Work

We continue support as individuals enter the workplace, drawing on Individual Placement Support (IPS) principles. We recognise this transition as significant and provide ongoing coaching to navigate challenges. Alongside supporting the individual, we work with employers to promote trauma-informed practices and reasonable adjustments. This approach strengthens long-term success, ensuring both the individual and employer benefit from a supportive and inclusive working environment

A Place-Based Approach in Action

Groundwork’s office in St Peter’s ward, Ashton, Tameside, provides a powerful example of what place-based working can achieve. Being physically present within the community allows Groundwork to build trusted relationships with residents and local partners, creating a welcoming and accessible route into support.