The Active Inclusion Fund is managed by Wales
Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) supported by
funding from European Structural and Investment
Funds. It aims to reduce economic
inactivity in Wales and improve the employability
of disadvantaged people furthest from the labour
market.
WCVA, as an Intermediate Body, acting on behalf of the Welsh
European Funding Office (WEFO), offers the following areas of
funding.
- West Wales and the Valleys for participants who are over
25
- East Wales for participants who are over 25
- West Wales and the Valleys for participants aged between16 and
24
- East Wales for participants aged between16 and 24.
The funding pots address the priority 'tackling poverty and
social exclusion' by increasing labour market participation and
helping people to access sustainable employment (for over 25s) and
'youth employment attainment' (for 16-24 year olds).
The fund will work with those who are designated long term
unemployed or economically inactive and have complex barriers to
employment (for over 25s) or are not in employment, education or
training (for 16-24 year olds).
Active Inclusion will be delivered through two
complementary strands:

Over a year since the launch of the Active Inclusion Fund, it's
important to celebrate some of the amazing achievements of the
projects and participants which the fund is in place to
support.
Watch the inspirational story of Helen, Nick, Franco
and Amanda whose lives have drastically changed thanks to the
intervention and support of the Bounce Back project.

Gene had been unemployed for 15 years whilst being the main
carer for her elderly mother.Thanks to the LifeSkills2 projectGene
gained the skills and confidence to enter the world of employment.
Read the heartwarming story behind the note written to the project
here.

When Alice first met the mentors at Educ8 Training, she was
shy, quiet and clearly lacked confidence. Educ8 training, who run
an Active Inclusion funded project, backed by European Social funds
turned Alice's life around and made her aspirations of completing a
course and establishing a career come true. Thanks to the project,
she is now confident, outgoing and is ready to chase her career
with her trusted guide dog, Philly by her side. Read her full story
here.

Janine Downing, who is now the manager of the Third Sector
European Team at WCVA started her career on an EU funded supported
employment programme. She now supports organisations to deliver the
amazing opportunites she was fortunate to experience. Read about
Janine's European journey here.