• Work with 40 – 55 unique individuals over the course of the current funding until October 2026.  Success will be measured by a minimum of 10 having progressed into employment and an additional  20 into volunteering roles.

• Improved mental health and wellbeing for individuals.

• Increased employability.

Step Forward is open to everyone over the age of 18.  We support adults facing  challenges or barriers to accessing the VANS online volunteer centre and/or engaging with organisations to offer volunteering opportunities and through this support programme, build confidence to apply for future employment or further education.

By focussing on the barriers that people are facing, we can provide an inclusive programme, e.g. we have previously delivered this to two ESOL groups.

Our funding in 24/25 was from the UKSPF and our target was to work with 75 unique individuals, we exceed this:

Milestones

• 92  Individuals supported 

• 52 Drop Ins Delivered

• 7 Peer Support Courses

• delivered

• 4 Volunteer Pathway Courses Held

We continue to exceed the key milestones in each piece of funding,  See case studies attached.

We are currently working on the continuing programme through to October 2026.  We plan to look at how the programme could be expanded e.g. offering some additional activities such as art based activities by collaborating with local partners.

We are participating in the Job Centre Event in November in Weston as part of National Older Workers Week.  Some resources such as leaflets for that would be helpful.

Referrals can be self referrals or via our partners who  include social prescribers, NSC, Opportunity North Somerset and so on.  Info available on the website or by contacting Debbie Evans at Debbie.evans@vansmail.org.ukor contact the VANS office on 01934 416486.