Liverpool's "1st class" Intern to Work scheme praised by leading national social inclusion body

LIVERPOOL'S "Intern to Work" scheme has received praise from a national social inclusion body after being described as 1 of the leading supported internship providers in the Northwest.

Described as a '1st class approach' the pioneering, work based study programme led by Liverpool City Council, has been highlighted by the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) for its outstanding impact on youth employment, skills development, and confidence in Liverpool.

NDTi is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working alongside people, communities, policy makers, support organisations and services across the UK and beyond to promote and develop inclusion.

The programme, which has empowered hundreds of:- 16 to 24 year olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to access to work and education opportunities in the City, has seen more than 50% of interns progress into paid work or further education.

The "Interns to Work" programme involves interns enrolling full time at a local School or college where they will study a personalised programme which may include English and Maths.

Learners work with trained job coaches who provide individual and tailored support and help to match them to a placement or employer which will last between:- 6 ro 12 months.

Young people with SEND can be referred for a supported internship regardless of whether they have an Educational Health and Care Plan in place or not.

The Council is also offering a further type of support to this group of young people; through the Empower Job Design Programme which sees job roles customised or created by employers to suit an individual's skills.

Young people and employers can express an interest to apply for an internship, or offer 1 by emailing:- InternToWork@Liverpool.Gov.UK, or by visiting the Council website.

Cabinet member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, Cllr Joanne Kennedy said:- "Our Intern to Work scheme shows the power of inclusive employment, helping young people with SEND in Liverpool turn potential into progress and support learners into paid employment. This recognition reflects the dedication of our interns, passionate staff, and supportive local businesses who believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive."

Paul Harper, Northwest Regional lead for the Internships Work programme at the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) said:- "From the early days of our work with Liverpool to the successful programme it is today, Liverpool's Intern to Work scheme has consistently focused on helping young people into meaningful employment and training. The Council's all-round approach, centred on families, tailored support, and strong partnerships with local businesses, is making a lasting impact within our Region. The team's imaginative thinking around placements ensures interns are set up to succeed, and the support offered is truly 1st class."

Aldi encourages shoppers in Merseyside to support local foodbanks ahead of cooler months

AS the colder months approach, Aldi is reminding shoppers in Merseyside of the most essential items to donate to foodbanks via its in-store donation points.

A list of priority items has been created based on the demands of foodbanks, charities and community groups across the UK and includes:- everything from tinned food to cereals and cleaning products.

According to community giving platform Neighbourly, who works with Aldi stores to redistribute customer food donations to good causes, the demand for foodbanks can increase by nearly 30% over the colder months.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said:- "We know autumn and winter are busy periods for foodbanks and organisations like Neighbourly who support those in need across the UK. We're so grateful to all customers that have used our in-store donation points so far this year, and we hope this list of items will make it easy for shoppers pick those that are most needed over the colder months."

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added:- "With many foodbanks and local charities facing increased demand in the months ahead, any extra support we can get will be vital. By highlighting the most needed items, we hope to make it easier for Aldi shoppers to support their local communities."

The most in-demand items are:-

• Tinned food
  

• Toiletries
  

• Tea / coffee
  

• Breakfast cereals
  

• Juices and soft drinks
  

• UHT milk
  

• Laundry and cleaning products
  

• Rice and pasta
  

• Cooking sauces / oils / condiments
  

• Pet foodo

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