Future Prospects

About Us

About Us

Monday, 03 October 2011 00:00 |

about-us

Future Prospects has been serving the residents of York since 1992. Originally conceived as a city centre location for course enrolment, it soon took on partners across the city and is seen by many as the best information point for all issues around learning and work.

This service has now gone beyond the Greater York boundary and a service is offered across the county. The service has many discrete projects that work under the Future Prospects banner and this allows us to offer the best possible to the widest groups of people.

We have been recognised as one of the best advice services in the country since the award of the Matrix Excellence Award (twice) and endeavour to maintain the standards we have set.

Future Prospects is a not for profit organisation who do not charge members of the public for any services. Our focus is to provide high quality advice and skills development opportunities to support people to develop themselves and to gain employment.

Last Updated (Wednesday, 16 November 2011 09:22)

Customers Stories

Monday, 26 September 2011 00:00 |

Just the Job

Case Study

Andy was referred to our Just the Job project via Connexions as he had been workless for some time and had become disengaged. He felt that education had little to offer him, and he had found it hard in the past to concentrate and progress through formal learning. He was initially sceptical of our offer, and didn’t know whether he could commit himself to a group session, but he was keen to find work with training.
Andy came to the first session but we also made time for 1-2-1 support around the class contact time to make sure he could see the point of the course and where it would lead him, which encouraged his return the following week.

Andy wanted to do an Apprenticeship, but like a lot of NEETs did not have a full level 2 qualification as a springboard into this, and did not want to go and take more academic qualifications. We looked for vacancies with employers who were prepared to look at level one apprenticeship training with a view to moving onto level 2 in the future in order for him to keep motivated with his jobsearch.

Andy also struggled due to family issues, and was a young parent himself so keeping him engaged with us meant a lot of texting and phone calls to keep the communication channels open.

He made several applications for work and was successful in gaining an apprenticeship at a firm that erects temporary structures at events. This really suits Andy’s practical side and also had the knock on effect of re motivating the other young people in the group.

Last Updated (Wednesday, 16 November 2011 09:37)

Customer Stories

Monday, 26 September 2011 00:00 |

Income Maximisation

Case Study

Derek approached the Welfare Benefits Income Maximisation drop in service in the Westfield area of York. He had responded to a leaflet put through his door during a door knocking exercise.

Unable to work for a number of years as a result of health issues, he wondered if he was entitled to any additional benefits. He was already in receipt of Incapacity Benefit, a small occupational pension and some Housing and Council Tax benefit.

He was assisted to claim Disability Living Allowance, a benefit payable to individuals who struggle with personal care and/ or mobility; and was awarded the higher rate mobility component middle rate care component.. He also received £1,463 in a backdated lump sum payment

The award meant that he now also qualified for Income support, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Benefit too.

He also gained exemption from car tax liability, with assistance to complete the relevant forms, and support was also given to apply for a blue badge.

Derek also needed further help with debt issues. He was referred to an occupation related benevolent fund who issued a grant to pay off council tax arrears.Negotiations with creditor were successful in suspending interest on a loan and monthly repayments were reduced from £50 to £2.30 a month.

Last Updated (Wednesday, 16 November 2011 09:38)

Statement of Service

Saturday, 17 September 2011 00:00 |

Future Prospects is York’s free learning & work advice service. A multi-funded, not for profit organisation that ensures people have access to impartial and objective advice and guidance. The service is constantly changing to reflect the needs of local people.

Our Services:
Immediate access to a wide range of material about local learning opportunities and on-going support for people seeking work. Community based learning and work advice sessions, accreited/unaccerited work focused training, taster courses and other activities

The opportunity to meet specialists in:

benefits advice
careers advice & guidance
computing & ICT
disability & health issues
ethnic minority support
literacy and numeracy skills
redundancy support
support homeless people
1-2-1 counselling

What You Can Expect From Us:

Professional staff able to offer confidential, impartial advice allowing you to make informed choices. If we are unable to help you immediately we will respond within three working days.
The competence of staff maintained and developed to meet service needs.
Referrals or signposting to other organisations as appropriate (or contact made with them on your behalf).
Up-to-date materials and information in different formats to meet your requirements.
Access and use of information in a manner appropriate to your needs.

What We Can Expect From You:

Keep any appointment we make for you, either with other agencies or us. Let us know if you cannot attend.
Help us improve our service taking part in our evaluation process. If you have any suggestions or comments please talk to a member of staff or leave a message in any of our evaluation boxes at 24 Swinegate.
Tell us if our service has worked for you.

Complaints:

Future Prospects works to the matrix Quality Standard and The National IAG Board of Principles for Coherent Delivery in Information Advice and Guidance Services. These documents are available for inspection.
We promise to investigate all complaints within ten working days.
If your complaint remains unresolved we will refer you to Roger Ranson, Assistant Director for City Strategy, City of York Council

This policy will be amended as appropriate to meet the demands of future legislation

How You Can Contact Us:

In Person:

24 Swinegate,

York

YO18AZ

Opening Times:

Monday 11am - 4pm

Tueday, Wednesday, Friday 10am - 4pm

Thursday 10am - 7pm

Saturday 10am - 1pm

Tel: 01904 634748 (24 hr answer phone)

Fax: 01904 634750

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We value your opinions:

If you have any suggestions, compliments or concerns please contact Colette Gray, Future Prospects Manager on 01904 634748 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Last Updated (Monday, 12 December 2011 11:47)