RESTART 3

Project description

The Restart 3 Project addressed some of the multiple and complex barriers to employment faced by some of Europe's most vulnerable citizens - people with disabilities; people who face economic obstacles, including young people and the long-term unemployed; people facing cultural obstacles such as migrant workers; people who have health problems; people with social obstacles, such as lone parents; and people who face geographical obstacles. Developed in NI in response to the needs of lone parents, the innovative 'Restart' accredited employability programme combines: group work, individual life coaching, a work placement, practical help with CVs and job applications, with advice on personal finances, childcare and transport issues. Restart has already been successfully adapted for use with lone parents in 7 EU countries (including Poland and Italy) through the successful implementation and delivery of two separate EU projects funded through the LLP Leonardo da Vinci programme: Restart (2010 -2012) and Restart 2 (2012- 2014).

The Restart 3 project adapted the Restart programme for use with other disadvantaged groups: people with disabilities in NI, people from migrant backgrounds in Poland, young people in Italy and lone parents in Spain, all of whom are at high risk of becoming excluded from education, training, employment and full participation in society. This project implemented the adaptation and evaluation findings from the previous Restart 1 & 2 projects and followed a similar methodology thus bringing added value to the new project in terms of its evidence base and lead partner Possibilities NI's experience of delivery in Europe using a tested and successful methodology. The project researched the needs of each of the target groups in their respective country contexts, the Restart programme adapted, translated where appropriate, pilot tested with a small group in each country (up to 10) and validated with methodology guidelines and reports created to document each stage of the project. Stakeholder seminars were held for relevant stakeholders to assist with the Restart 3 programme import, delivery and sustainability in each partner country. The project was evaluated and all of the reports have been combined to form the overall project report and final dissemination event was held in Belfast on 5 July 2016.

The project was link to the Europe 2020 Strategy (including headline education, employment and poverty targets) by ensuring that the most vulnerable people in society - young people, migrants, lone parents and people with disabilities do not get left behind or become further socially excluded. The Project related directly to the Erasmus+ objectives on equity and inclusion by promoting and facilitating access to the labour market, training opportunities to citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds at high risk of social exclusion. It contributed to the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training by linking to ECVET and supporting the adoption of EU transparency and recognition tools such as EQF and ECVET.

The project has had a positive impact in respect of employment outcomes and has contributed towards local regeneration and has impacted positively on beneficiaries taking part in the pilot in each transfer country by helping them move towards their goal of securing employment and achieving accreditation. The project has had a positive impact in terms of usefulness for VET providers, employers and agencies working to support each of the target groups and has helped reduce the number of unemployed persons within each of the partner countries by encouraging each partner to accredit and mainstream the programme for future and continued use. It has provided an opportunity for VET practitioners and managers to learn and develop new skills sets and areas of expertise with possible adaptation and use with other groups. The transfer and adaptation of the Restart model across Europe has contributed to a reduction in poverty levels among one parent families and the other disadvantaged groups at risk of social exclusion targeted by the project including economically inactive young people, people with disabilities and unemployed migrants. Restart 3 has improved access to employment for participants in each geographical area in which it was piloted. The project has also Increased cooperation of organisations and groups within Europe working with target groups and/or working in the field of lifelong learning and Erasmus+.

Target group

• People with Disabilities: Individuals facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges that hinder their access to education, training, and employment.

• Lone Parents: Single parents, especially those economically disadvantaged, at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

• Migrants and Cultural Minorities: Migrant workers and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds facing obstacles to employment and social integration.

• Economically Inactive Young People: Young people struggling to enter the labor market due to unemployment, lack of skills, or long-term economic barriers.

• Long-Term Unemployed: Individuals who have been out of the labor market for extended periods and face significant challenges in re-entering employment.

• Other Socially Excluded Groups: Including those facing geographical, health-related, or other social barriers that limit their employment opportunities.

Results

For more information on project results and download links go to the EU projects database here.

News

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