The success of the ECUBE project can be measured by considering that it has achieved the five main objectives outlined at the start of the project:
To develop and sustain an effective partnership to act as a ‘test-bed’ for lifelong learning innovation in Greater Manchester
The ECUBE project provided a range of different examples of how to work successfully with vulnerable young people and adults. In particular, the ECUBE project brought together in the development partnership an alliance of public sector and third sector organisations. While these agencies came from different professional contexts, each had certain shared or overlapping approaches to practice. To mainstream the achievements of ECUBE, a Good Practice Guide (available by clicking here) was established to provide practitioners and policy-makers with illustrations of how some aspects of the work of ECUBE can be shared across the public and voluntary and community-based sectors.
To develop information, advice and guidance delivery mechanisms to engage and support disadvantaged people
The ‘G’ Factor project led by Rochdale Council worked with carers and disabled people to empower and build confidence. The project developed a ‘confidence building’ programme that drew upon different approaches/techniques (including therapeutic as well as IAG approaches). The project allowed the flexibility to tailor the speed/pace of programme to suit individuals. The success of the project was demonstrated by presentations of the project by participants at regional and national conferences.
To develop methodologies for lowering the barriers to employment for disabled people
The aim of this project led by United Response was to empower a group of beneficiaries (people with a learning disability) by providing them with targeted support that allowed them to create their own social enterprise as disability consultants. United Response have successfully recruited and retained individuals with learning disabilities who were supported into being consultants. It has established direct links with the local authority to support the project and has worked with individuals to increase/enhance their confidence and skills to provide training.
To develop methodologies for improving the entry into education, training and employment of ex-offenders in Manchester
The Excell project led by Commitment in Communities (CiC) supported ex-offenders in Manchester by providing employment, training and placement opportunities. CiC developed a model of social enterprise to support innovation: provision of placements and help with accommodation. Support for this initiative came from Manchester City Council, the Probation Service and those agencies involved in reducing offending.
To develop methodologies for engaging excluded young people into education, employment or training
Led by Toucan Europe Ltd, the ALERT project researched methods of engaging young people onto a learning programme and the mechanisms to support participants to remain committed to it. The ALERT project directly engaged with around 200 people through the various activities carried out in phase one, and as a result 150 people were recruited onto a learning programme at Toucan with 35 learners being selected as ALERT beneficiaries who then took part in phase two of the project. The main finding of phase one of the ALERT project is that engagement activities held in the community where you can meet people face-to-face in an informal setting are much more successful for recruitment than general marketing activities. The main finding of phase two is that people are far less likely to drop out of a course if they are made to feel comfortable from the start of their learning experience and especially if they feel they have ownership of their learning programme. While the ALERT project will not be continuing due to the closure of Toucan Europe Ltd, the research and its findings will be used in the future by GMYN Limited to engage and support beneficiaries on a variety of other projects/activities.
