Leicestershire LSC are celebrating the success of the projects delivered as part of our 2003 – 05 European Social Funding (ESF) Co-financing Plan.

We want to recognise the fantastic achievements of some of those that took part and promote the contribution that ESF has made to changing lives.

The European Social Fund (ESF) plays a very significant role in the remit of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Our work began in the same year that ESF co-financing was introduced and since then we have used co-financing to direct ESF funds to many employment and skills related projects with local employers and in local communities.

These projects are helping to tackle long-term unemployment, to improve Skills for Life and promote lifelong learning as well as developing the skills of employed people and promoting an entrepreneurial spirit in the workplace.

In Leicestershire the LSC supported the delivery of 39 diverse projects through the allocation of £6.2 million of ESF funding, which when matched with LSC core funds provided almost £14 million of funds for the delivery of employment and skills priorities in Leicester and Leicestershire.

The projects engaged with almost 10,000 individuals, many who, to a lesser or greater degree, found themselves at a disadvantage in the labour market, giving them access to advice, support and education and training opportunities to help them realise their potential and play a full role in society.

Helping individuals to achieve these goals gives employers the skills they need for business success and to contribute to national economic prosperity and success.