Accreditation with Standards
Phoenix Enterprise Centre’s Advice & Guidance Team Maintains Matrix Standard for Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG)
Phoenix Enterprise Centre (PEC) is proud to announce that its Advice & Guidance team has successfully maintained the Matrix standard for Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG). This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality support to unemployed residents of the former Copeland area.
PEC offers the Digital Access, Advice, Food, and Support (DAAFS) program as part of our dedication to serving those in need. Funded by the NDA, Copeland Community Fund and Cumberland Council, this three-year initiative, running from October 2022 to 2025, aims to provide comprehensive IAG services to 1,500 unemployed and benefit-dependent individuals within the former Copeland area.
Our digital outreach centres in Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, and Millom are pivotal in this effort, with goals to enhance digital skills for 600 service users and help 200 individuals secure employment.
In addition to digital and employment support, PEC’s Food Pantry is set to assist 1,750 service users, and we plan to make 600 referrals to Citizens Advice Copeland and Credit Unions for further assistance and financial/debt advice.
Commitment to the Community
PEC’s IAG services are designed to support those at risk of redundancy, recently unemployed, and benefit-dependent individuals. Our services include free, supported internet access for benefit claims, job searches, and applications, as well as weekly Food Pantry deliveries for Copeland residents facing financial hardship. We collaborate with partner agencies to address financial difficulties and debt. Staff have noted increased challenges in engaging employment-ready service users. Many of our current service users face significant barriers and are economically inactive.
Service users may be referred by organisations such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Copeland Age and Advice Service (CAAS), Citizens Advice Copeland (CAC), and Local Authorities. Self-referrals are also welcome. Our support services cover employability skills, CV writing, interview techniques, online applications and support to make and manage Universal Credit accounts.
Service User Journey and Impact
Every service user begins their journey with a confidential conversation to establish needs, followed by the creation of an action plan. Users receive information, advice and guidance including the Food Pantry at one of three Outreach Centres and can be referred to specialist services as needed.
Service user testimonials highlight the positive impact of our services:
“This service is brilliant; it helped me 100%.”
“The IAG provided was amazing.”
“I was guided in the right direction and am now back in employment.”
“I felt welcome.”
“I am starting to see the light.”
A&G client quotes.
Achievements and Goals
The recent recruitment of a Marketing Officer has helped boost PEC’s social media presence, which has resulted in the project surpassing the halfway target of 750 service user engagements, reaching an actual number of 860. Additionally, over 1,700 individuals have benefited from the Food Pantry, far exceeding the initial target of 875. We are committed to improving this performance in the coming months.
Contact Information
For further information about our Advice & Guidance services, please contact:
Grace Starkey, Lead Advice & Guidance
Email: advice@phoenixenterprisecentre.co.uk
Telephone: 01946 813555
