The groundbreaking Abbey Works initiative, funded by Public Health, is a collaboration with Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council. It aims to tackle the significant challenges faced by adults aged 18 to 64 who are out of work due to health-related issues.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights the urgent need for such support. In the year ending December 2023, approximately 10,220 people of the 16 to 64 age group in Cambridge were classified as "economically inactive," excluding students. These individuals are not working or actively seeking employment, often due to reasons such as family responsibilities, or long-term illness and disability.
Abbey Works stands out with its unique, person-centred approach. Participants are paired with a dedicated Link Worker who helps identify and overcome health and social barriers to employment by collaborating with various partner organisations. The program is entirely voluntary, allowing individuals to progress towards employment if that is right for them. For some people, this might involve exploring their interests and skills, doing work experience in a new area, or retraining or volunteering to gain new transferrable skills.
Maria Carvalho, a Link Worker at Abbey People, underscores the program's supportive and non-judgmental nature: "Our goal is to empower individuals to find activities that not only enhance their wellbeing but also support their financial independence."
The impact of Abbey Works is expected to be substantial, particularly in the Abbey Ward and surrounding areas, where there was a high issuance of fit notes last year. In 2023, GPs in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough issued a total of 137,566 fit notes, indicating a pressing need for targeted support. Abbey Works aims to meet this need by closely collaborating with individuals to determine helpful interventions and connecting them with local services and support networks.
Nicky Shepard, CEO of Abbey People, highlights the community-centric philosophy of the initiative: “We know that people in our community struggle to access the support they need. At Abbey People, we believe in walking alongside our neighbours, helping them navigate their route to the partner organisations that can expertly assist them.”
Councillor Cameron Holloway, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, Homelessness, and Wellbeing said: “I’m delighted to see positive action being taken to support the many local residents who for some time have been unable to access work due to health conditions. Innovative projects such as Abbey Works demonstrate what can be achieved when local authorities and public health organisations come together with community partners who work tirelessly to support the wellbeing of local residents. I hope that this initiative can help residents to live healthier and happier lives."
Abbey Works is about much more than just finding a job; it's about unlocking potential, improving quality of life, and building a stronger, healthier community in Abbey. Abbey People invites local businesses and organisations to join in this mission by providing essential support to those looking to re-enter the workforce.
If your organisation would like to get involved, please email Maria Carvalho maria.carvalho@abbeypeople.org.uk
