Trafford Council has launched a £130,000 Economic Inactivity Trailblazer (EIT) Fund to support residents who face significant barriers to work, training and volunteering.
The fund — part of a Greater Manchester-wide initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) — will offer grants to the voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector (VCSFE) to deliver local projects that help residents build skills and confidence, opening up routes into work and training.
Grants available:
Projects must support residents who are economically inactive — meaning people of working age (16–64) who are not in work, have not sought work in the last four weeks, and are not available to start work in the next two weeks.
Priority will be given to projects in Trafford’s five highest-need areas: Old Trafford, Partington, Sale Moor, Sale West, and Stretford, as well as those supporting carers returning to employment, care leavers, people aged 50+, ethnic minority communities, and people with mental health needs.
Initiatives can include:
This funding is part of Trafford’s wider plan to connect job clubs, social prescribing, and community services, so people get joined-up support that tackles all the barriers to work.
Trafford Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy & Regeneration, Cllr Liz Patel, said:
“This initiative is a real opportunity for our voluntary and community sector to reach people who face multiple challenges to finding work. By working in partnership, we can help residents take those first, crucial steps towards training, volunteering or employment, and build their confidence along the way.”
The closing date for applications is Monday 8 September at 11am.
Applications are being coordinated by Trafford Community Collective.