A SERIES of schemes helping people in Gwent struggling to find jobs into work have been handed £14.7 million from the European Union.

The cash, announced by the Welsh Government's finance secretary Mark Drakeford, will be shared among three projects, including Nurture, Equip, Thrive, which is helping people with health conditions or disabilities stay in work or return from sick leave.

The scheme, led by Torfaen Council, will be given £5.8 million to offer mentoring, coaching, careers advice and skills development, as well as childcare and transport.

Working Skills for Adults, which has already helped more than 2,000 people in Gwent gain new skills, will also be given an extra £3.2 million, while the Bridges into Work II scheme, which helps long-term unemployed people gain new skills, will be handed £5.6 million.

Both projects are led by Torfaen Council in partnership with Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil councils.

Among those to benefit from the Bridges into Work 11 scheme is Andrew Morgan, of Blaenavon. He had been out of work for a number of years before attending the scheme, where he was helped to develop his IT skills and gain a first aid qualification., and now works voluntarily at Llantarnam Grange.

He said: “I’m enjoying my time here and I do my tasks to the best of my ability. My confidence has grown back to where it used to be and I hope to go on further, thanks to the staff here and Bridges into Work for their support.”

Hywel Pontin, director of Llantarnam Grange, said: “Andrew is proving to be invaluable, his enthusiasm and commitment is fantastic. He is a great team player and has grown in confidence since he has been here. He’s happy to undertake any task we give him and completes each one to a high standard. He also gets on well with all members of staff.”

Leader of Torfaen Council Cllr Anthony Hunt aid: “Torfaen Council is delighted to be leading the Nurture, Equip, Thrive project, helping residents of the south Wales Valleys find work that meets their needs, particularly people with work-limiting health conditions and disabilities.

“We will work with local employers to improve diversity and equality in the workplace and make changes to improve the health and wellbeing of all staff.”

Mr Drakeford said: “It is vital we continue to invest in the areas which need it most, removing barriers to work, reducing in-work poverty and helping people move towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

“EU funds have already helped thousands of people throughout the south Wales Valleys improve their chances of getting a job. This extra investment will help build on this success.”