What is Social Inclusion?

Social inclusion is concerned with changing the circumstances and habits that lead to (or have led to) the alienation or disenfranchisement of certain people within a society. Anyone who deviates in any perceived way from the "norm" of a population can become subject to blatant or more subtle forms of social exclusion and their access to various opportunities may be limited.

What is Impact's role?

Social Inclusion work is an integral part of Impact’s past and present.

We are passionate about working with those in employment and those on their journey to employment.  

We specialise in behaviour change and have extensive experience working with those who face significant barriers to gaining and sustaining employment.

Our Social Inclusion work provides engaging, stimulating and consequential learning interventions that challenge attitudes and develop behaviours. Above all, we increase the desire and motivation of individuals to be in work.  

We have worked in partnership with Knowsley Borough Council since 2000 and have directly contributed to their success in meeting and exceeding their targets to get people in their communities into long-term work. Through this partnership we have gained a unique insight into the barriers faced by many people, principally the realisation that it is an individual’s confidence, self-esteem and behavioural awareness that requires support and development if they are to gain a job and stay in work.

Examples of the Social Inclusion work we do:

•  We are in the process of setting up a Social Enterprise (a business that trades for a social purpose) in the English Lake District. This business will provide supported employment to those most in need

•  We work with NEET (Not in Education Employment or Training) - young people in South Liverpool (UK) who are struggling to stay in their work placements. These young people require a different kind of targeted support in order to become more interdependent

•  We work with people on incapacity benefit, some of the most difficult people to reach out to, to engage them onto further developmental programmes available in their locality

•  We work with lone parents developing their confidence to face the workplace again, or for the first time

•  We are in the process of developing an 10 month long inspirational leadership programme that links young adults, who have influence within their communities, with aspiring leaders within the corporate sector for the benefit of both parties and the local community.

Want to know more?

For other Social Inclusion queries please contact lou.burner@impactinternational.com