BBO Steps to Work are the lead organisation on two Building Better Opportunities (BBO) Projects which aim to help people overcome their barriers and reach their individual goals with expert help and guidance. If you would like to speak to us about either of these projects, you can call us on 01922 627555 or view our list of partner organisations here to find out who you can speak to about accessing the project. The BRIDGES Project Steps to Work are the lead organisation on the BRIDGES project, which covers the Black Country area offering support for people to overcome their barriers no matter and move closer to the job market. Steps to Work has received over £10.5 million from the Big Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund to run the project for three years, alongside partner organisations across the Black Country. EVOLVE Steps to Work are the lead organisation on the Evolve project, which offers the same support to participants in East Staffordshire. It covers Cannock, East Staffordshire, Lichfield and Tamworth. The project has received over £3 million from the Big Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund to run the project for three years alongside partner organisations across East Staffordshire. Home BRIDGES Evolve Blog Case Studies Our Funders Sign Up Our Delivery Partners A Confidence Boost for Steve “That was the first time I’ve attached my CV to an email myself, I’m really pleased!” Steve is 57 and had been unemployed for 18 months when he joined the BBO project. He had done several voluntary roles during this time but wanted to return to paid employment. Steve had previously worked in a warehouse and as a driver so had lots of experience but some of his qualifications had expired. Age UK Walsall have supported Steve to work towards gaining some new qualifications; he has completed a CSCS revision course so is now ready to take the next step towards applying for a CSCS card. Age UK Walsall have also worked with Steve to improve his confidence using the internet & applying for jobs. When we first met Steve he was looking for jobs but had not registered with recruitment websites other than Universal Jobmatch. Age UK Walsall supported Steve to register with a variety of recruitment websites and update his CV. One of the problems Steve had was access to the internet. Steve was a member of the library but had never used their computers so Age UK Walsall visited the library with Steve and worked with him to improve his confidence using the internet, searching for work and sending emails. In January 2017 Steve applied for a job online and attached his CV. He did it completely by himself and commented ‘that was the first time I’ve attached my CV to an email myself, I’m really pleased.’ Steve’s confidence has improved since working with Age UK Walsall and with his increased IT skills and pursuing up to date qualifications Steve hopes to return to paid employment in the not too distant future.