Four new pilot projects are being launched in Newport to support people who do not engage with traditional employability schemes, helping them overcome barriers to work and improve their wellbeing.
Newport City Council has worked with local organisations to bring the Trailblazer programme to the city. Funded by the UK Government in collaboration with the Welsh Government, the initiative aims to help tackle economic inactivity.
The projects will be delivered by Hedyn, Llamau, Codi and BRIGHT Options, which will work with individuals and small groups using Communities for Work+ funding.
Councillor James Clarke, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said:
“We know that some people do not work because they face issues such physical or mental health conditions, trauma, housing instability or caring responsibilities.
“Over the longer term, unemployment can impact their wellbeing and cause social isolation. It becomes more and more difficult for them to access skills and training opportunities.
“We have linked with four organisation that can identify residents that could benefit from tailored projects to help them gain confidence and overcome any barriers they face.
“These projects will be small stepping stones, allowing people to move forward when they are ready, but they could have a massive impact and eventually make a big difference to their lives. And the pilots could indeed become ‘trailblazers’ for similar schemes in the future.”
Hedyn will deliver the ReConnect programme, supporting people aged 30 and over who face physical or mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, or who feel isolated or lack confidence to take part in community life. The programme aims to build confidence, establish routines, improve wellbeing and reconnect participants with their communities, while helping them explore volunteering, training and employment opportunities at their own pace.
Llamau will introduce its progression coach model, supporting young people and women with experience of homelessness who are furthest from education, training and employment. The project will help participants access apprenticeships, develop digital and workplace skills, support the Young Person’s Guarantee, and promote equality and inclusion.
Codi will expand its Green Careers Pathway, working with young people aged 16 to 30 who are care experienced, at risk of homelessness, living in supported accommodation or facing multiple barriers to employment. The programme combines personalised coaching, employability support, accredited training and environmental activities to build confidence, develop skills and create routes into the growing green economy.
BRIGHT Options will deliver a skills and personal development programme aimed at people affected by domestic abuse, trauma, poor mental health, social isolation, homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, care experience, or disrupted education and employment histories. The pilot will focus on improving confidence, motivation and emotional resilience, reducing barriers to work, and developing practical employability skills that support progression into volunteering, education, training or employment.
The economic inactivity Trailblazer pilots are funded by the UK Government through the Welsh Government in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.
The pilot programme began in April 2025 and was initially delivered by three Welsh councils. From April this year, funding for pilot activity was extended to the remaining 19 local authorities across Wales through the Communities for Work+ programme.
