Meet Maltby’s new employment and skills coach Louise Jackson

A COMMUNITY employment and skills coach has taken up post in a former mining town to help residents overcome barriers and realise their aspirations.
Louise JacksonLouise Jackson
Louise Jackson

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, which is the only organisation dedicated to providing support and resources to former mining communities, has appointed Louise Jackson to the position within the Maltby community.

Having worked in the third sector for more than a decade, Louise initially joined the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in April 2018 and was tasked with providing employment and skills support to residents in the Dearne Valley. 

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Throughout the past year, she has supported individuals that are out of work to overcome barriers to employment and worked to help them realise their aspirations and where possible secure jobs or volunteering positions.

Louise said she was “more than confident” that she could meet the needs of those living in Maltby.

She added: “From my time in Dearne Valley, I have a greater appreciation for the importance of networking with council members, local residents and the providers in each area. 

“It’s about identifying what is available, who wants what and how to engage with the people. 

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“I am extremely proud of the results that we achieved in the last 12 months and am sure we can replicate this. 

“I am very excited about switching my area of focus to help Maltby residents improve their skill set, increase their employment opportunities and, as a result, boost their overall wellbeing.”

Louise previously forged networking opportunities within the Dearne Valley and developed links with organisations that offer specialist services such as debt, housing advice and mental health to address the many complex issues that can prevent a person from securing work.

Hoping to mirror the success achieved in this role, Louise will look to offer the same support and services to the residents of Maltby from mid-June. 

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Louise, who has previously lived and worked in Maltby, said she had a strong understanding of the community and what is available. 

Within her new role, she will also be keeping a keen eye on the regeneration plans for the former Maltby Colliery site as this has the potential to provide opportunities for local residents.

Head of operations (England) for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Andy Lock, said: “We have had really positive feedback from the work that Louise has carried out in the Dearne Valley area and we know that it has had a profound impact on the people she has engaged with. 

“Not only has Louise demonstrated the value from having a genuine understanding of the ongoing complexities and challenges to finding work in the communities, but she has shown a deep empathy with the people who need the support we provide. 

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“We know that Maltby is a coalfield community in need of support and hope that residents will come forward and make best use of the services and sign posting that Louise is offering.”

For further details about the Coalfields Regeneration Trust visit www.coalfields-regen.org.uk or call 01226 272800.

 

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