A major cash injection has been given to a social enterprise helping West Cumbrians learn skills and find work.

Cumbria Community Foundation and Copeland Community Fund handed Skills 4 You £25,000 each. 

The project started in January 2014 aimed at helping long-term unemployed people across Copeland get into the habit of a working life. 

People aged from 19 to 68 take on an eight week course to learn practical woodworking skills, socialise and get advice on landing a job or training. 

It runs alongside the Works 4 You social enterprise scheme, which provides landscape gardening and environmental services to councils, housing associations and parish councils.

Nikki Greenough, of Skills 4 You, said the team were "over the moon" with the funding boost which will allow it to plan for the future.

Skills 4 You has two projects.

The woodcraft programme which is now in its second year of funding secured in 2015 and this will run alongside the craft/upcycling programme until March 2017.

Participants undertake one to one sessions and practical activities to produce saleable items which can be purchased by the general public. 

Clients decorate items such as, jewellery boxes, small tables, “Love” and “Home” signs using decoupage, paints and various other materials. 

Skills 4 You and its partner agencies ensure access to mentoring and support for individual participants throughout the programme to support them on their journey towards gaining employment, further education or training.

Ms Greenough said: "We have worked hard to develop programmes that deliver relevant and realistic opportunities to local people with a view to building confidence and motivation, breaking down barriers and exploring solutions.

"The ultimate destination is employment but we ensure we support and endeavour each individual throughout their learning journey to achieve the best they possibly can. We purposely focus on small groups, no more than eight learners to ensure that everyone can have the level of support they need as an individual to move forward."

Annalee Holliday, grants and donor services officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: "We have been able to fund some truly fantastic work in the local area thanks to the NMP community fund. 

"This grant will enable the Skills 4 You team to address the high levels of unemployment in Copeland and give local residents an opportunity to build on their strengths and encourage social inclusion.”