Rossendale Works funding confirmed
Rossendale Borough Council has confirmed it will continue funding the successful Rossendale Works programme, securing the future of the borough’s distinctive, partnership-led approach to supporting residents back towards employment.
Rossendale Works, delivered in partnership with Active Lancashire and a network of local organisations, takes a human, community-based approach that combines physical activity, wellbeing and tailored employability support to help residents overcome barriers to work.
The programme has built a strong track record of supporting residents who are often furthest from the jobs market. Between April 2023 and December 2025, the Rossendale Works team engaged with 270 economically inactive residents. Of those supported, 59 developed basic employment skills and 56 moved into employment, including self-employment.
In 2024–25 alone, the programme generated £507,000 of social value for Rossendale, underlining the wider benefits being delivered for local communities and the economy.
The decision to continue funding follows these positive outcomes and the programme’s proven ability to deliver meaningful, long-term impact. The next phase will enable Rossendale Works to maintain its intensive support for economically inactive residents while also broadening its reach to support more unemployed people.
Delivered in partnership with Active Lancashire, the programme begins by engaging participants through free weekly physical activity sessions in a welcoming environment, before progressing to tailored employment support including CV development, interview preparation and access to training and specialist help.
Paul Becouarn Rossendale Works Programme Lead, said: “Rossendale Works changes lives, it really is that simple. We work with people who often feel a long way from the jobs market, sometimes after years out of work or dealing with significant personal challenges.
“By taking the time to build trust and confidence first, we help people take manageable steps forward. For many residents, this support is the turning point that helps them feel positive about the future again. Continued funding means we can keep standing alongside people who need that extra help and make a real difference in communities across Rossendale.”
Rossendale Borough Council believes the strength of Rossendale Works lies in its place-based design, strong partnership working and focus on long-term outcomes rather than quick fixes.
Adrian Leather CEO at Active Lancashire said: “We warmly welcome Rossendale Borough Council’s continued commitment to Rossendale Works and the trust they place in our partnership. This investment enables us to keep supporting residents who face the greatest barriers to employment, delivering lasting benefits for individuals and communities when it matters most.”
For more information about Rossendale Works, visit the Council website: https://bit.ly/RossWorks