We are improving the chance of employment for 300,000 people by 2030 through removing barriers which exist..
Although paid employment does reduce the risk of poverty compared to being unemployed; according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, in-work poverty has risen to 56% of people in poverty overall. This means that work programmes or initiatives which simply focus on moving people out of unemployment, into work, are not having the same impact on poverty rates, or people’s overall quality of life as they used to.
The Mental Health Foundation reports that employment status is also linked to mental health outcomes, with those who are out of work having higher rates of common mental health problems than those employed. Employment is generally beneficial for mental health; however, the benefits usually depend on the quality of work; work that is low-paid, insecure or poses health risks can be damaging to mental health.
The Aster Foundation has created a range of initiatives which you can access at various points in your life to either:
- Move from being out of work, into work
- Move into higher paid or more secure work
- Increase your earning potential or aspirations
- Lower the costs associated with working.
What do we offer?
Placements, careers, and volunteering - with businesses through inc., Aster Group social value, other partners, and initiatives
Digital inclusion – providing free reconditioned laptops, computers, and other tech
Home workspaces – providing desks and other equipment to enable home working for an adult (employment) or young person (framework)
Person centred and learning and support – with confidence courses, virtual CV coaching, access to a digital college, inc. syllabus and content, and in-person support (available only to Aster Group customers)
Sustainable workwear – providing good quality, pre-loved workwear.