The Department of Social Services’ Try, Test and Learn Fund is trialling innovative approaches to assist vulnerable people to secure long-term employment. The fund is not an ordinary grant round, but is looking for initiatives that can provide evidence about the effectiveness of interventions aimed at supporting people on a path towards long-term workforce participation and stability. The second tranche of the fund is now open for grant applications until 28th September. Tranche two will support groups at risk of long-term welfare dependence, including the four priority groups identified as: Newstart Allowance recipients aged 50 and over (with a focus on those who have been out of the workforce for longer than 12 months), migrants and refugees aged 16-64 and receiving income support, carers aged 16-64 and receiving Carer Payment, at-risk young people aged 16-21 and receiving income support, as well as other vulnerable groups identified by published research or from experience in working with vulnerable people. Find out more about the fund and applications here.
