Employability Roadshow
Method, Participation and Barriers
Method of Engagement and Reason Chosen
A roadshow was chosen so that the team could bring the service out to communities. This was done over a week, each quarter of the year. By visiting 20 different locations in total, the team aimed to ensure that support was accessible, reduce the stigma of seeking help, and offer face-to-face assistance. It also allowed staff to connect directly with people in their communities, providing a warm, welcoming space.
A key reason for this method being chosen is that the team felt that the ‘good old fashioned’ method of getting on somebody’s door step, is the best way to meet people.
Participants
The roadshow was open to any member of the public, though it targeted those aged 16 or over. The team spoke to twelve people, with three signing up for the Employability Pathway. While this is a lower rate of people signing up than normally expected, there has been an increase in referrals and drop-in visits to their base in Lerwick, perhaps due to an increase in visibility of the service.
Some visitors received help with non-employment issues, thanks to the No Wrong Door approach. For example, one person was directed to a charity for help, another joined the Living Well Hubs, and others were referred to financial support and relationship counselling.
The team acknowledged that attendance can vary due to factors like stigma or availability. Despite this, they believe it's worth continuing, as helping even one person makes the effort valuable.
Overcoming any Barriers to Participation
- Timing of day was important. Where possible, the sessions aligned with public bus timetables. Leisure centres were used for some of the roadshows. Scheduling these alongside children’s swimming lessons in some instances was beneficial as this meant the children were looked after, and the footfall of parents and carers may be higher. The roadshow adapted as the year went on, to more specific hours which seemed to suit better.
- Transport was provided – while roadshows aligned with public busses where possible, the team hired vehicles and offered lifts to and from the roadshow. Community members were encouraged to get in touch if they would like to use this service.
- Childcare was a consideration – the team are all members of Disclosure Scotland’s ‘Protecting Vulnerable Groups’ scheme and work as youth workers, so are all qualified to look after children. There was enough staff at each event and so childcare was added as an option as the year went on.
- Food and catering was included in the roadshow. Staff were on hand with hot drinks and biscuits, ready to help anyone who needed it.
- Alternative solutions such as offering another appointment were important. If someone couldn’t make the day the roadshow was in their community, the team offered to meet them at another time.