A SUCCESSFUL mobility project designed to help unemployed people find work is set to roll forward after winning a major financial boost.

The community scheme which helps young people access work and learning opportunities across the sprawling Hambleton District Council area has received a £10,000 cash grant.

Wheels 2 Work – known as W2W – is a moped loan scheme which provides mainly young people with transport to access employment opportunities, apprenticeships and other work related training.

The mopeds are loaned for a nominal six month period to people who otherwise have no access to public or private transport.

The scheme has been operating in Hambleton for 13 years and so far has helped more than 1,000 young people – and almost 90 per cent of them have left with a job, apprenticeship or other training place and a means of getting there.

The group has been awarded the money from Hambleton District Council’s Core Grants scheme which is investing in groups that aim to deliver valuable services designed to improve the health and well-being of people living in the area.

Wheels 2 Work development officer Kevin Holt said: “Half the grant will go towards paying for the servicing and maintenance of the fleet of mopeds.

“And the other £5,000 will go towards paying for a co-ordinator for the scheme to help mentor the young people on basic topics such as opening a bank account, obtaining a provisional driving licence, encouraging them to save for a vehicle of their own, simple moped maintenance and signposting them to other support services that help young people make the transition to independence.”

Hambleton’s spokesman for customer and leisure services, Cllr Bridget Fortune, added: “With statutory organisations facing increasing financial pressure and a number of public services under threat, the council welcomes the opportunity to support schemes that undoubtedly bring huge benefit those who rely on them for support.

“Sometimes it is hard to get started in life without a little help especially for those living where there is no suitable transport or who are on a low income.

“It is great that the council can give grants which help young people find a job locally and hopefully, once they are in a job, then they will stay in the area contributing to the growth of the local economy rather than moving away to find work.”

For more information about the scheme contact Keith McDonnell on 01609-761682 or email w2w@ndvsa.co.uk