The Programmes

New Deal has a variety of elements and options for those aged 18-24 and those aged over 25. Options delivered by Strabane CWP are: Community Sector employed status and training allowance basis; Environmental Sector employed status and training allowance basis and the Education and Training Option. Strabane & District Community Work Programme has been at the forefront of providing the community and environmental sector options for both 18-24 years olds and 25+ New Deal participants in what ever format that option operated at the relevant time.

Who can join New Deal

18-24 year olds on Jobseekers Allowance for 6 months

Those aged 25+ on Jobseekers Allowance for 18 months

Anyone from the list below provided they are claiming Jobsekers Allowance or are prepared to claim Jobseekers Allowance

• Lone Parents
• Individuals with a disability
• People who are homeless
• People with English or Maths problems
• Ex prisoners and ex offenders
• People whose first language is not English
• People who are considered to be at a serious disadvantage in finding employment

The Outcomes
Whilst many New Deal participants remain on social security benefits and receive a training allowance they can give up benefits and be paid a weekly wage. Strabane & District Community Work Programme has always attempted to offer participants the option to participate on a waged basis. Since 2003, 70% of 18-24 year olds have availed of the waged option and 50% of the older age group.

Since 1998 more than 350 New Deal participants have chosen Strabane & District Community Work Programme as their placement organisation. Success rates from New Deal vary dramatically with 42% of the younger age group obtaining employment and 16% of the older age group.