York businesses urged to back Trailblazer funded employability programme at York Cares annual stakeholder event

Local employers were called on to play a leading role in tackling unemployment and mental health challenges across the city at the annual stakeholder event hosted by social action charity York Cares this week.

The event brought together business leaders, charities and frontline employability organisations to hear the latest updates on York Cares’ Trailblazer Programme – and to rally support for its expansion.

Jamie Kew-Robson, Chair of York Cares and Head of Assurance at Aviva, opened the event by announcing that York Cares has been named the Lord Mayor’s Charity of the Year for 2026/27, a recognition of its growing impact across the city.

He emphasised the vital role major employers must play in addressing what he described as “interconnected crises” in mental health and unemployment.
“York’s business community has the ability and responsibility to be a driving force for change,” he said, urging organisations to actively support York Cares and its Trailblazer programme through volunteering, mentoring and work experience opportunities.

Speakers highlighted how poor mental health and low confidence remain significant barriers to employment.

Jack Woodhams, CEO of Menfulness, shared powerful insights into the challenges faced by men experiencing isolation and anxiety, particularly those out of work. He also announced the charity’s expansion into Scarborough and Malton, extending its community-based support model.

Woodhams encouraged attendees to reflect on what they value in their working lives, linking these directly to positive mental health outcomes. He reinforced the importance of safe spaces where individuals can speak openly about their experiences.

Cameron Simpson from York Monkgate Jobcentre outlined the barriers faced by jobseekers, including low confidence in interviews and difficulties sustaining employment due to self-doubt. He highlighted how Trailblazer workshops are helping to address these issues through practical, confidence-building support.

Simon Proctor and Emma McKenzie from Converge shared case studies demonstrating how targeted training and support can transform outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Their work, alongside York Cares and the Jobcentre, reflects a growing collaborative approach across the city, aligning services to provide more joined-up support for those furthest from the labour market.

Leanne Shaw, Operations Manager at York Cares, reported positive feedback from early Trailblazer workshops. Participants praised the welcoming, informal delivery style of volunteers, which helped create an environment conducive to building confidence.

She also highlighted opportunities for businesses to support the next stage of the programme through work experience placements and job shadowing pathways. She said: “Work experience placements not only help individuals rebuild confidence and gain practical skills but also provide businesses with a valuable pipeline of future talent. We’d love more businesses to get involved in the Trailblazer workshops, offer work experience or job shadowing opportunities, and champion inclusive recruitment practices.”

The event also recognised the contribution of outgoing York Cares manager Holly Hennell, who was presented with a York Cares Golden Moments award for her dedication and fundraising efforts. With financial support from Portakabin and other local businesses and individuals, Holly helped to raise £20,000 to help mark the charity’s 20th anniversary in 2025.

The event concluded with a stakeholder photo on the Aviva boardroom balcony, symbolising the shared commitment of York’s business and voluntary sectors to creating a more inclusive local economy.