£80 Million Funding Boost to Help People in Erith and Thamesmead Get Back into Work

Erith and Thamesmead residents are set to benefit from a major new £80 million funding package aimed at helping people overcome barriers to employment and get back into work, local MP Abena Oppong-Asare has announced.

The funding forms part of the Government’s Inactivity Trailblazer programme, which is designed to support people facing complex challenges such as poor mental health, low skills, or barriers like social isolation. The Greater London Authority will receive £20 million to deliver three London-based Trailblazers, including in areas that cover Erith and Thamesmead through the Local London partnership.

Local communities will be empowered to deliver tailored, joined-up employment and wellbeing support – including confidence-building groups, mental health services, and skills training – to help residents move closer to work and achieve financial independence.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“This funding is welcome news for people in Erith and Thamesmead who want to get back into work but face real challenges doing so.

“By investing in community-led support – from mental health and wellbeing services to skills development and job readiness – we can make a real difference to local people’s lives.

“I’ll continue working to ensure this funding – part of the Government’s Plan for Change – reaches those who need it most and delivers lasting opportunities for our community.”

This builds on the early successes of the Trailblazers in Denbighshire and Blaenau Gwent which have seen the creation of wellbeing and resilience support alongside the provision of essential skills including self-confidence building, motivation, problem solving and teamwork.

This investment is central to the Government’s Plan for Change mission to break down barriers to opportunity and kickstart economic growth by getting Britain working again.

This investment in the Local London area – which includes Bexley, Greenwich, and surrounding boroughs – will allow more residents across Erith and Thamesmead constituency to access personalised support and training, helping to boost local growth and improve living standards.

Find out more information on the Government’s webpage here.