Find updates from the latest Ways2Work network meetings here. To book a place at our next scheduled network meeting, use our Bookings page.

October 2024: Online

We heard from Claire Edwards and Mike Allen about WorkWell West, Beth Thomas about upcoming events, and Jo Whelan about DWP updates.

WorkWell

Upcoming Event flyers

Multiply courses

DWP

Bristol partnership managers are now Jo Whelan and Gill Knight.

Pension Credit: We are looking to reach out to those of State Pension age (66+) who may be eligible to claim pension credit and areencouraging them to carry out an eligibility check either online Pension Credit calculator – GOV.UK or by calling 0800 99 1234. In addition to the attached, further information on Pension Credit can be found on gov.uk  Pension Credit: Overview – GOV.UK. This includes a Pension Credit Tool kit which has a range of promotional products, factsheets and links to useful ‘explainer’ videos on Pension Credit Pension Credit toolkit: advice and guidance for stakeholders – GOV.UK.

Ways2Work

We will be trialling a form for quick and easy messages to Ways2Work for sending out on the network. Try out our Message for the Ways2Work Network form.

The next network meeting will be online on Wednesday 11 December at 2pm.

The next in-person network meeting will be on Wednesday 29 January, venue to be confirmed.

July 2024: The Engine Shed, hosted by Alex Richards, WTPN

We also heard from:

• Abi Johns from Partners in Bristol,
• Maria Berryman from BrisBES (YTKO)
• Joanne Whelan and Paula Adamson from DWP
• Lucy with
  • an ESLL plan run through, see full details Employment, Skills and Learning (bristolesl.com)
  • an events update, see full details: Jobs Fairs – One Front Door

To suggest a venue in south Bristol, or if you would like to present at September’s meeting, please email lucy.perrott@bristol.gov.uk.

Updates

Fiona Malpas, Business West:

Business West are continuing to hold skills clinics both in person and virtually for local businesses needing support with workforce planning.

The next ‘in person’ clinic in Bristol will be held on Monday 15^th July at the Bristol Central Library. Any business wishing to book an ‘in person’ or virtual clinic can do so via the Business West website under events. https://www.businesswest.co.uk/events Any questions please contact skills@businesswest.co.uk

Emma Heath, NHS Talking Therapies:

Information to download about NHS Talking Therapies Employment Support and Drop-ins. See information on their drop-ins on their website: BNSSG free drop-in service – Vita (vitahealthgroup.co.uk)

Abi Johns, Partners in Bristol

Maria Berryman, BrisBES/YTKO:

Lucy, Ways2Work:

See the presentation for key page numbers for Employment Support priorities in the ESLL Plan.

Joanne and Paula, DWP:

• Link to access Touchbase- for information on DWP policy updates and change.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/touchbase-dwp-news-about-work-working-age-benefits-and-services

• Link to the gov site, providing further information on Access to Work
  Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Links to useful information on the e-visa that Paula mentioned:
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-immigration-status-evisa-help-video/what-is-an-evisa

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-immigration-status-evisa-help-video

DWP- Bristol Partnership Manager contacts:

• Joanne Whelan – joanne.whelan1@dwp.gov.uk
• Paula Adamson – paula.adamson@dwp.gov.uk