A new partnership bringing together the NHS, education providers, employers and the voluntary sector has launched with a plan to create 500 jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities across Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Felixstowe.
Part of the nationally supported Coastal Navigators’ Network (CNN), the East Coast Partnership brings together organisations from across the public, private and voluntary sectors to tackle barriers to employment, skills and health in coastal communities.
The initiative will support people facing barriers to work, including those living with long-term health conditions, disabilities, caring responsibilities or prolonged periods out of employment.
Coastal communities often experience higher levels of economic inactivity, poorer health outcomes and fewer opportunities for education, training and career progression. The partnership has been established to help address these challenges and create new pathways into work, training and apprenticeships.
To kick-start the initiative, partners gathered at an event hosted by Lowestoft MP Jess Asato to outline how organisations across the region will work together to improve access to jobs, training and apprenticeships.
She said: “This pledge to create 500 positive opportunities is incredibly important for Lowestoft.
“We face significant health inequalities and a real lack of jobs and opportunities.
“I’m hopeful this partnership will bring together the public sector, voluntary organisations and employers to create opportunities for people of all ages – ensuring there are jobs for everyone.”
The launch brought together a wide range of organisations including Sizewell C, East Coast College, Suffolk Police, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Ipswich Town Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund and local innovation partners.
Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), emphasised the critical link between employment and health.
He said: “Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Felixstowe have significant needs, but also significant assets.
“This partnership brings those strengths together to support 500 people back into employment.
“Employment is one of the biggest health interventions you can make.”
He added: “In coastal communities, health challenges are often greater. People are getting sicker and dying earlier, so supporting people into work is vital – not only to improve individual health outcomes but also to strengthen the local economy.”
The partnership aligns closely with NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB’s Population Health and Commissioning Strategy, recognising the role that good work, skills and education can play in improving health and reducing inequalities.
Julia Nix OBE, District Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk at the Department for Work and Pensions, underlined the wider benefits of the initiative:
“By working together, we can not only help individuals out of poverty but lift whole families.
“The ambition to support 500 people into work is entirely achievable within 12 months if each partner plays their part.”
Partners will work together to create opportunities across a range of sectors, helping local residents access employment, apprenticeships and training while strengthening links between employers, schools, colleges and community organisations.
Nic Werran, Director at Breaking Barriers Innovations, highlighted the importance of tackling the root causes of poor health. He said: “So much poor health is driven by social factors – whether someone has a home, a job, or feels connected and supported.
“No single organisation can address these challenges alone.
“The East Coast Partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing both economic inactivity and health inequalities in coastal communities.
“By aligning efforts across sectors, partners aim to create sustainable pathways into employment and improve long-term outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”
Over the coming year, partners will work together to create 500 opportunities across the three towns, helping more people access jobs, training and apprenticeships while building healthier and more prosperous coastal communities.
A short film has been produced which includes other attendees giving their views about the importance of the partnership – https://youtu.be/eVCgylYdbLU.