Cheshire East Council announces UK Shared Prosperity Fund providers

Cheshire East Council has announced three providers who will deliver on the ‘People and Skills’ strand of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund across the borough.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is the government programme that replaces the European Social Fund following the UK’s exit from the European Union. The fund will provide £2.6bn of funding for local investment by March 2025.

The UKSPF Fund aims to ‘Build Pride in Place and increase life chances’ across the following areas:

• Boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards by growing the private sector, especially in those places where they are lagging
• Spread opportunities and improve public services, especially in those places where they are weakest
• Restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging, especially in those places where they have been lost
• Empower local leaders and communities, especially in those places lacking local agency.

Cllr Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council adults and health committee chair, said:

“This funding has brought £1.6m directly into Cheshire East to help local people improve their lives.

“We are pleased to be working directly with three new providers who we have no doubt will positively impact the lives of Cheshire East residents over the coming months. 

“Supporting people to become more independent via skills courses (including digital skills) and employment support for people with more complex needs will be at the heart of these projects.”

The three organisations providing support in Cheshire East as a result of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund backing are Fedcap, Cheshire Learning Partnership and Focusing First on People.

Fedcap will be delivering its ‘Inspiring Futures Programme’ offering employment support for those who are economically inactive and would like support to get back into the workplace.  

Cheshire Learning Partnership will be delivering its ‘Digital Inclusion Project’ offering accredited qualifications that are recognised in the workplace as proof of competent and efficient computer skills.

Focusing First on People will be delivering its ‘Skills Courses’ including basic, life and career skills to increase life chances and improve pride of those living in the area. The organisation’s director, Abdi Yusuf, commented:

“We are excited to be working with Cheshire East Council on this new project.

“We have a strong track record of working with BAME communities and directly with SMEs in the area and we have built long-term relationships following a successful community and business engagement model which directly benefits those with multiple barriers seeking employment.”