Support for long-term unemployed in Marrickville

The Salvation Army Employment Plus Research Project and Connections Plus Model has been launched at Marrickville in Sydney.

The model provides support services to jobseekers by providing specialist support, such as access to training, health, legal services and housing, to help people move into employment.

The research project is a joint partnership between The Salvation Army Employment Plus in Marrickville and The Centre for Social Impact at the University of New South Wales.

The Connections Plus project was first established in June 2010 and trialled at Marrickville where to date 114 job seekers have been referred to the model for specialist intervention.

“Disadvantaged job seekers, who have suffered long-term unemployment, may be struggling with a whole range of things, including health issues, a disability, a history of substance abuse, homelessness or social isolation,” Federal Minister for Employment Participation, Kate Ellis said.

Salvation Army Employment Plus is a Job Service Provider contracted by the Australian Government to offer specialist support services to job seekers through the project.

Ms Ellis said the Australian Government is making it a priority to give the most disadvantaged job seekers the right help and support in gaining education, work skills and overcoming barriers to employment.

For further information on the Connections Plus model, visit: www.deewr.gov.au/jsa

18 July 2011.