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Exeter Positive Steps Fund  - Working Together

The Exeter Postivie Steps Fund was establised originally to move 'hard to reach' people, including the long term unemployed, ex-offenders, single parents, non-english speakers and those with disabilities, living in Exeter's most deprived wards back into employment and training. 

Original funding came via Devon Community Foundation from the European Social Fund and the Foundation was then charged with matching this. The Foundation joined in partnership with Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, the Department for Education & Skills and an independent chartiable trust to create the £350,000 Exeter Positive Steps Fund.

From January 2006 to March 2008, Exeter Positive Steps supported 50 projects run by community and voluntary groups helping 1,417 people back into work, training and volunteering.  The Foundation managed all grant making activites, working with a grant making panel made up of local people and representatives from the private, public and voluntary sectors in the city.

The 'hard to reach' groups found dealing with community groups less threatening and more accessible than ordinary job seeking routes.

Following its original success, the Exeter Positive Steps Fund continues to make grants using a combination of funding from Exeter City Council, Friends Provident and a local charitable organisation.

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