The service supports anyone age 14+ and up to retirement age who needs help finding a job or gaining work experience
Employability Support Officer Tina helped Cameron gain confidence through a volunteering placement(Image: Supplied)
A free service helps anybody who is struggling to get work in Grimsby. Working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, YPSS, training providers, schools, and local employers, Care Plus Group Employability Services helps match people to opportunities that meet personal goals.
The service – which anyone can self-refer into – offers support via the People and Skills Pledge, providing paid employment and voluntary opportunities in the Health & Social Care sector.
Further programmes include: supported employment, voluntary work-based learning, apprenticeships, and the Care Experienced Employability Programme. Each pathway aims to empower local people, aged 14 and up to retirement age, build skills and confidence, and break down barriers to sustainable employment.
Hollie, who secured a voluntary placement at Foresight as a Trainee Support Worker(Image: Supplied)
Hollie
Hollie reached out to Employability Services for support when she faced significant barriers to finding work due to her physical disability. As she explained, her abilities were overlooked: “They couldn’t see past the chair.”
Despite these challenges, Hollie sought opportunities to prove herself. Supported by her Employability Support Officer (ESO) Emily, Hollie secured a voluntary placement at Foresight as a Trainee Support Worker.
Hollie quickly became a valued member of the team, building strong relationships with colleagues and service users alike. Her confidence has grown and she has steadily increased her hours, showing resilience and adaptability in a supportive environment.
Emily, Hollie’s ESO said: “I am really pleased to see how far Hollie has come in such a short time, and her progress highlights the importance of inclusive opportunities.”
Isaac secured a paid position as a Senior Care Worker at Ashlea Court Residential Home(Image: Supplied)
Isaac
After deciding it was time for a change in career, Isaac reached out to Care Plus Group Employability Services for guidance and support. He was eager to explore new opportunities and expressed a strong interest in working within the care sector.
With the help of the Employability Services People and Skills Pledge team, he refined his CV and explored suitable vacancies that matched his skills and aspirations.
Through his determination and the tailored support he received, he successfully secured a paid position as a Senior Care Worker at Ashley Court Residential Home.
This achievement not only marked a significant step forward in his career but also highlighted the value of persistence and the right guidance.
Cameron
With the support of Employability Support Officer, Tina, Cameron began a volunteering placement designed to build confidence, develop communication skills, and deepen his understanding of diverse needs within a support-based environment.
Cameron has shown flexibility when meeting new people or supporting individuals experiencing heightened emotions, remaining calm under pressure and handling challenges with maturity.
Amy, Foresight Programme Coordinator, noted “significant” growth, describing how Cameron has become “more involved, stepped out of his shell, and truly blossomed”. She said he “has shown a flexible and positive approach, even when challenges arise.”
Cameron said: “The work has been very educational and expressive. Meeting different people and learning their reasons for being here has helped me grow in my own way.”
NEL People and Skills Pledge Event
The People and Skills Pledge is hosting an event with workshops to support the health and care workforce in North East Lincolnshire.
It is aimed at health and care employers of all sizes, including care providers, GP practices, voluntary and community organisations, and businesses facing recruitment or workforce development challenges.
Taking place on Tuesday 10 February 2026, from 9:00am to 12:30pm, the event will be held at TEC Partnership at Grimsby University Centre, Nuns Corner, Grimsby, with free on-site parking available.
The session will bring together local partners, employers and organisations working within health and care to raise awareness of the free support available to employers and to encourage new organisations to join the People and Skills Pledge.
With ongoing pressures on recruitment and retention across the health and care sector, the event will highlight practical, locally delivered solutions that support both employers and the local workforce.
Sharon Stead, Programme Lead and founder of the People and Skills Pledge, said: “This event is about bringing people together to focus on real, practical solutions for the health and care workforce.
“We know employers are under pressure, and the People and Skills Pledge is here to make support simple, accessible and locally focused – helping organisations grow their workforce while supporting local people into meaningful careers.”
Attendance is free, but registration is required in advance via Eventbrite or by contacting the team directly. Register here on eventbrite.
Need help finding employment?
People can either self-refer by phoning the Employability Office on 01472 256730 or by completing the enquiry form on the Employability Services website. A member of the team will then make contact to discuss next steps.
Care Plus Group Employability Services also offer drop-in sessions within the Careers Café, Freshney Place, every fourth Tuesday of the month 12.30pm-4pm. For further information please contact Employability Services on 01472 256730 or email CPG.employabilityservices@nhs.net.