What Is The York And North Yorkshire Inactivity Trailblazer And How Does It Help People Find Jobs?

There's some brilliant news for people across York and North Yorkshire looking for a bit of help getting into work. A big, important plan, called the 'Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer', has just been given a massive boost. It was already set to run until March 2026, but now it’s been extended for another year with up to £10 million in extra funding. This is fantastic news for the local economy and for anyone who needs that extra bit of support to find the right job for them.

So what on earth is an inactivity trailblazer?

It sounds a bit like an adventure through the wilderness, doesn't it? An 'Inactivity Trailblazer'. But it’s not about hiking. It’s about creating a new path for people who aren't currently working. This could be for all sorts of reasons. Maybe they've been ill, had to care for a family member, or perhaps they just lost their confidence and don't know where to start. This plan is designed to help those individuals overcome whatever is holding them back.

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is leading the charge, making sure this multi-million-pound project makes a real difference. It’s one of only eight such economic trailblazers in the entire country, which shows just how important this work is. The government first announced this initiative back in November 2024, and it's already making waves.

What does another year of funding actually mean?

Well, it means more money, more time, and more help for more people. The extra £10 million is a huge vote of confidence. The original plan had some clear goals for its first year, and this extension will build on that success. Let's break down what the inactivity trailblazer aims to do in its first twelve months alone:

• Help 1,500 people who are actively looking for jobs
• Provide support for 500 people who are already in work but might need extra help to stay there or progress
• Assist 150 local businesses, connecting them with talented people

Having this programme extended means the team can help even more people and businesses in the years to come, specifically through 2026–27. It gives everyone involved more security and the ability to make longer-term plans that will really change lives across the region.

Who is making it all happen?

A project this big needs a great team. It’s not just one group doing all the work. Several key partners have been confirmed to deliver a whole range of services. Think of it like a team of superheroes, each with their own special power. The main players include:

• North Yorkshire Council
• City of York Council
• NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board

These organisations will be overseeing different parts of the project. For example, the NHS involvement means that people’s health and well-being are at the centre of the plan. Knaresborough-based Better Connect is also providing services, along with the Combined Authority’s Policing, Fire and Crime team. It’s a real community effort to boost employment and the local economy.

What are the local leaders saying?

The people in charge are really excited about what this means for the region.

Mayor David Skaith of York and North Yorkshire put it plainly:

“This investment of up to £10 million is a vote of confidence in our ability to deliver real change for people and businesses across the region. Through this trailblazing scheme, we are tackling the barriers that hold people back from work and connecting them with the quality jobs they deserve. It means that we can continue to build on the work we are doing with our partners, having already invested a record £30 million in our skills programmes.”

Cllr Michael Harrison, from North Yorkshire Council’s executive for health and adult services, mentioned the practical steps being taken:

“Over the next six months, teams across the council and in our key partner organisations in the voluntary sector and the NHS will be trialling programmes that support people into work or volunteering and which also provide health checks at work.”

From the City of York Council, Cllr Pete Kilbane highlighted the focus on inclusivity:

“This funding has the potential to have a huge impact for those who live and work in York, particularly our most disadvantaged communities, and strongly supports our ambitions to create good jobs and a thriving and inclusive local economy. Supporting people back into work and removing barriers to employment has many benefits both to each individual and the wider economy, unlocking hidden talent and potential and ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Michael Ash-McMahon, from the Integrated Care Board, explained how the support connects directly with local healthcare:

“By harnessing the skills of social prescribers, health coaches and care coordinators, this initiative will ensure people receive the right care through their GP practice, while also connecting them to wider support available through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.”

How does it help real people and businesses?

This all sounds great, but what does it look like in real life?

Imagine someone in York who wants to start their own small online business selling crafts. They might source materials from a website like Aliexpress but have no idea how to handle the financial side or marketing. This programme could connect them with a mentor or a free course on business management. They might even get a place on a sponsored digital skills bootcamp to learn how to promote their products online.

Or think about someone in a more rural part of North Yorkshire who has been out of work for a while due to illness. The programme could offer them health coaching through their local GP and then help them build up their confidence to start applying for jobs. It's about providing tailored support, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

For local businesses, it’s a chance to find skilled, motivated staff they might otherwise have missed. The programme helps build bridges, connecting the right people with the right opportunities for employment. The news, which was first highlighted by Business Editor Darren Greenwood, shows a real commitment to improving adult services and developing valuable skills for the future. Organisations like Better Connect are instrumental in making these links happen on the ground.

Want to know more?

This is a fantastic development for the whole region. It's about investing in people, strengthening the economy, and making sure everyone has a chance to succeed. The delivery partners for the second year of the programme are yet to be decided, so there's still more to come.

If this sounds like something that could help you or someone you know, it's worth keeping an eye on it. There’s an update event planned for December 4. For all the official details about the Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer and the various programmes available, the best place to go is the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority website. It's an exciting time for our region, championed by leaders like David Skaith, our mayor.