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Thousands of people in nine areas in England are set for a big change from the Department for Work and Pensions. The DWP is helping those with mental health issues or social isolation find work through an £80m injection of funds. The DWP and Labour Party government have announced the fresh funding will support bespoke programmes across nine regions of England and Wales, focusing on severing the connection between ill health and joblessness. Local authorities and mayors will have authority over how the funds are deployed - with interventions spanning from peer support networks and confidence-boosting workshops to mental health care and skills development. READ MORE State pensioners getting free £150 separate to Winter Fuel Payment this week Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: "For too long too many people have been locked out of the job market, which fails them and fails our economy. That is why we are doing things differently – putting local leaders in the driving seat so the right support goes to their community. "By investing in our trailblazers we're helping people who were previously underserved or overlooked to build the confidence and skills they need to thrive." An additional £10 million each will be granted to: Area Funding. York and North Yorkshire £10m. South Yorkshire £10m. West Yorkshire £10m. The North East £10m. Greater Manchester £10m. Wales £10m. Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens expressed that the plan would "unlock opportunities and improve wellbeing", while Welsh Minister Jack Sargeant added that tailored local support was already "making a real difference". South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "The legacy of industrial decline left behind deep-rooted challenges. "For too long, poor health, low skills, and limited opportunity have held too many people back. I'm proud we've secured another year of funding for our Economic Trailblazer. "It's helping thousands of people into good, secure jobs." West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin added: "This support really matters for people here in West Yorkshire, helping us to break down barriers to work and put more money in people's pockets. Everyone deserves a fair chance to flourish."
