Stepping Stones, a 12-month fully funded project delivered by Complete Skills Solutions, has successfully supported 352 economically inactive individuals across West Yorkshire. The project, which was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, aimed to empower individuals with multiple health related challenges to overcome barriers to employment by providing targeted interventions.
Having launched in April 2024, the project focused on working with individuals living in the Wakefield, Bradford and Leeds areas specifically.
A key focus of the Stepping Stones project was offering support that was tailored to each person’s individual needs. As such, every participant worked with a keyworker to identify their barriers to employment, before following a bespoke package of support. There were six different pathways that participants could complete, each designed to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and help people move forward in their journey:
- Head Space – Workshops focused on mental wellbeing and building resilience.
- Money Matters – Practical help with budgeting and managing benefits.
- Get Set – Support with CV writing, interviews, and getting ready for work.
- Make It Happen – Hands-on activities like cooking and guided walks to build everyday confidence.
- Better Together – Boosting soft skills like communication, confidence and time management.
- Links – Connecting people to job openings, volunteering, and community opportunities.
Former participant Faysal said:
“The amazing support from the Complete Skills Solutions team at Stepping Stones made me realise something important- I can apply myself to whatever the challenge!”
A standout element of the Stepping Stones programme was the partnership with the Community Shop. Thanks to this long-standing partnership, learners received free membership to the Community Shop which included access to low-cost groceries, fresh food, and affordable meals.
During the 12-month project, 158 individuals engaged with volunteering opportunities, 242 accessed basic skills courses and 341 received support to help gain employment.
Fay Gibbon, Chief Operating Officer at Complete Skills Solutions said:
“Stepping Stones was about much more than training. It was about giving people the confidence to take their next step—whether that’s into work, further learning, or just feeling better day to day. The feedback we received was incredibly positive, with 100% of participants reporting that they felt they had developed their maths, English and digital skills from attending the training.
“Whilst the project has now come to an end, the impact it has had on those we worked with is long-lasting. The changes we saw in our West Yorkshire participants were real, and inspiring.”
