Goldthorpe is amongst the top 10% most deprived communities in the country and was identified as an area that could benefit from the Communities that Work programme.

Figures show that of the 7,540 people living in the area, 38% have no qualifications, 38% of children live in poverty, 34% of people are in full-time work and 27% have long-term health problems.

A Community Employment and Enterprise Coach was appointed to conduct initial research and stakeholder engagement. As a result of this insight, employment initiatives were used to address unemployment, a particular concern for the town.

As well as a dedicated Employment and Enterprise Coach, a Job Fair was organised bringing together local employers and those interested in finding work.

Achievements in just 6-months reported:

• 69 engagements with local people
• 25 people supported into work
• 24 people supported into training
• 5 people supported into volunteering

A Community Shop launched in Goldthorpe in 2013, just the second to open in the country. The Coalfields Regeneration Trust created a strategic partnership with the organisation and worked closely with the team to identify a cross-over of services and support that could be offered to the community and provide longer-term interventions.