Summary
Strategic Issue 1
Youth Unemployment and Skills Development - High unemployment rates among young people and lower educational attainment compared to national averages.
What needs to be done
The emerging Local Growth Plan from Tees Valley Combined Authority alongside Hartlepool Council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy will seek to address issues of Youth Unemployment and low educational attainment. Partners should support these strategies/plans and consider initiatives such as:
- Apprenticeship Programs: Expand local apprenticeship and internship opportunities in collaboration with local businesses and educational institutions.
- Career Guidance and Mentorship: Provide career counselling and mentorship programs to help young people navigate their career paths and improve their employability.
- Community Learning Centres: Establish community learning centres offering vocational training and skills development workshops.
Strategic Issue 2
Support for Businesses and Entrepreneurs - Lower rates of business formation and higher rates of business closures compared to regional and national averages.
What needs to be done
The emerging Local Growth Plan from Tees Valley Combined Authority alongside Hartlepool Council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy will seek to address barriers to business formation. These could include the following interventions:
- Business Incubators: Create business incubators to provide support, resources, and mentorship for startups and small businesses
- Microfinance Programs: Implement microfinance programs to provide small loans and financial support to entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Networking and Collaboration: Facilitate networking events and collaboration opportunities to help businesses connect and grow
Strategic Issue 3
Improving Mental Health Support for Employment - Poor mental health is a significant barrier to employment, with many residents experiencing work-limiting mental health conditions.
What needs to be done
Commissioners in Public health and partners could address needs in mental health support in employment by supporting a range of interventions such as:
- Mental Health Support Services: Expand access to mental health support services, including counselling and therapy, specifically tailored to help individuals return to work
- Workplace Mental Health Programs: Implement workplace mental health programs that provide training for employers and employees on managing mental health issues and creating supportive work environments
- Community Outreach: Conduct community outreach programs to raise awareness about mental health resources and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions
Strategic Issue 4
Workplace Health – In Hartlepool, poor workplace health contributes to inequalities, reduced productivity, and demands targeted action to improve workforce wellbeing
What needs to be done
Commissioners in Public health and partners could address needs in workplace health by supporting a range of interventions such as:
- Expand Employer Engagement in Health Initiatives: Encourage more businesses to participate in schemes like the Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA), which provides free support and recognition for promoting employee wellbeing
- Integrate Health with Skills and Employment Support: Link health promotion with skills development and job access, especially for those with long-term conditions or in deprived communities
- Promote Mental Health and Long-Term Condition Support: Provide training and resources for employers to support staff with stress, anxiety, menopause, and chronic illnesses.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Foster collaboration between the council, NHS, voluntary sector, and employers to deliver joined-up workplace health programme