GOLDEN Gates Housing Trust (GGHT), part of NW housing group Torus, has secured millions of pounds in funding to transform lives in Warrington and Cheshire.

The £10.6 million grant will deliver a new project to support 3,000 people in Warrington and Cheshire into work.

Project ‘New Leaf’, spearheaded by GGHT partnering with Cheshire West and Cheshire Council and CVS Cheshire East, among others, is designed to improve the skills of local people, make them work ready, attractive to employers and better able to access the opportunities the region offers.

Angela Perry, GGHT managing director said: “As part of the Torus group, GGHT has a commitment to not only providing homes but improving opportunities for local people.”

“We already have some great links with local partners and businesses, but the New Leaf project will enable us to do even more.

“We’re thrilled to be working with a diverse range of partners from Cheshire, including local authorities, learning providers, charities, social landlords, disability support networks to change lives, create opportunities and make a positive contribution to the local communities and the regional economy.”

The funding is through the Building Better Opportunities programme, a key part of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) European Funding Programme.

The scheme sees the Big Lottery Fund matching funds from European Social Fund (ESF) 2014-2020, to provide joint investment in local projects that tackle poverty and promote social inclusion.

Over the next few years the funding will be delivered in 38 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas according to local priorities.

Mark Livesey, deputy chief executive at Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Cheshire and Warrington is one of the fastest growing economies in the north, with ambitious plans to deliver a £50 billion economy by 2040.

“If we are to deliver our vision, it is vital we ensure there are opportunities for everyone to fulfil their potential.”

“This significant funding award to support people with complex needs and multiple barriers to work will make a real difference in ensuring some of the most vulnerable people have the help and guidance they need to get back into employment.”

The New Leaf project will run from October 2016 until 2019.