VAL managed and delivered a range of projects and services, leaving a lasting legacy that improved lives in our local communities.
The Creative Futures Project supported young people in the east of Leicester City to develop skills, confidence, and employability in the creative arts. Delivered by VAL in partnership with The Highfields Centre and The Mighty Creatives (TMC), the project offered a combined programme incorporating the Arts Award, volunteering opportunities, and practical experience. Participants gained creative, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, built confidence, and explored employment and career opportunities in the arts, helping them take positive steps toward their future.
The SPEED Project provided employability support and explored volunteering opportunities for the partners and spouses of serving Armed Forces members in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR). The project supported participants to take positive steps towards new opportunities by offering guidance with CV writing, job searching, interview techniques, and access to volunteering, training, education, and apprenticeship opportunities. It also connected individuals with local organisations for additional support. Through this work, the project helped partners and spouses build on their existing skills, knowledge, and experience to progress
towards employment, education, or further career development.
VAL worked with Leicester Employment Hub to provide support to local employers and job seekers in North West Leicestershire and Hinckley & Bosworth. The project aimed to bridge the gap between businesses and individuals seeking meaningful employment, fostering connections, creating opportunities, and facilitating growth. By linking talented local people with valued organisations, the project supported economic development, addressed unemployment, and contributed to stronger, more thriving communities. This work was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which invests in local areas to deliver enhanced outcomes and support communities in need.
VAL delivered the Multiply Project as part of Leicestershire County Council’s programme to help local residents improve and develop their numeracy skills. The project supported adults aged 19+ in Blaby District and Lutterworth, providing one-to- one guidance, mentoring from experienced Numeracy Peer Mentors, short training courses, and practical experience through volunteering with local VCSE organisations. By enhancing everyday numeracy skills—such as managing finances, understanding data, and building confidence for employment—the project helped participants develop abilities that benefited their home life, employability, and wider social journeys.
The Work.Live.Leicestershire (WiLL) programme supported people in rural Leicestershire—including Hinckley & Bosworth, North West Leicestershire, Melton, and Harborough—who were unemployed or economically inactive, helping them move into job search, training, or employment. Delivered with nine partner organisations, including VAL, the project provided tailored support to overcome barriers, improve confidence, skills, and wellbeing. VAL also helped local VCSE organisations strengthen volunteer recruitment and management, giving participants opportunities to gain experience and enhance their CVs.
he Getting Ready for Employment and Training (GREAT) Project was a partnership of eleven local and national specialist organisations and charities that supported families into employment, education, and training. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the project offered a range of courses and tailored support to meet individual needs and aspirations. The GREAT Project helped families overcome challenges and barriers that had previously prevented them from finding work or pursuing further education, enabling them to take positive steps toward their goals.
The Youth Employability Support (YES) Project was a partnership of ten local and national youth organisations and charities that supported young people aged 15–24 into employment, education, and training. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the project offered a range of courses and tailored support to meet individual needs and aspirations. Through the YES Project, young people were guided throughout their journey, helping them overcome challenges and barriers that had previously prevented them from finding work or pursuing further education, and enabling them to take positive steps toward their goals.
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