People living in the rural areas are being helped by an innovative project to support them to find work or training.
Tees Valley Rural Action (TVRA) is working as part of Step Forward Tees Valley – a programme designed to help people overcome the barriers stopping them finding work.
TVRA specialises in helping people in rural, isolated communities who may face unique challenges when looking for work.
Janice McColm, Rural Development Manager  with TVRA, said: “We are targeting people who have previously found it hard to get a job because of issues such as self-confidence, addiction, a conviction or ill health.
“We work closely with people ensuring they receive the right support from a range of specialist services, helping to build on their strengths. People living in rural communities can often become isolated because of a lack of transport, digital skills or access to services but we can help to ensure nothing gets in the way of someone finding work.”
Step Forward Tees Valley, is run by the Northern Inclusion Consortium (NIC) and jointly funded by the National Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund.
To find out more about the project contact Janice McColm on 01642 213852 or email jmccolm@teesvalleyruralaction.co.uk.

More information can be found on here or you can also find the project on Twitter @SFTeesValley or Facebook /stepforwardteesvalley.