I am really pleased to introduce Future Bright, a free career support service to help people progress their careers and improve their pay.

Set up and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, the project will help people aged 19 years+ who are in some kind of paid employment and on a top up benefit, and who live in the West of England.

In these uncertain times where the Covid-19 virus is causing so much anxiety to people’s lives, especially in relation to jobs and training, Future Bright can offer the support of career progression coaches, advice and signposting, plus some financial support towards training or other work related costs.

Future Bright career progression coaches are able to support people remotely by telephone contact, Skype, email and text messaging.

Future Bright is open to local residents who are:-

• Aged 19 or over and living in the West of England – Bristol, South Gloucestershire or Bath and North East Somerset

• Currently in paid work (part-time, full-time, temp, self-employed or zero hours)

• Receiving an in-work benefit or tax credits

COVID 19 support – During the current COVID 19 crisis Future Bright can also support local residents and help:

· Those who’ve been made redundant, laid off or at risk of redundancy as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

· Those whose hours have been significantly reduced due to the coronavirus crisis, and have a reduced income.

· Those who are self-employed, whose incomes or ability to earn has been severely impacted by coronavirus.

· Furloughed employees, if their reduced income means they are eligible for Universal Credit.

Contact the Future Bright team today for an informal chat on 01454 866008 or email future.bright@southglos.gov.uk. Alternatively complete the online referral form at www.futurebright.org.uk.