European Social Fund in England

Conference marks one year of Convergence in Cornwall

A major conference took place on 26 February 2009 marking a year since the £500 million ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) and ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence programmes were launched in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

In that year more than £100 million worth of ESF and ERDF Convergence investment has been approved for a range of projects supporting individuals and businesses. Representatives from key organisations – including Government Office South West, Cornwall County Council and the South West RDA – spoke at the conference, which was hosted by Cornwall County Council at the Falmouth Hotel.

Andrew Mitchell, Cornwall County Council economic portfolio holder, said: "The investment to date across Convergence is pleasing but much remains to be done, both to support our people and revitalise our economy - a challenge we will strive to meet."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "This will be an annual event to acknowledge the achievements of Convergence investments and the close partnership work going on to strengthen our economy. Already, one year into the ERDF and ESF Convergence Programmes there have been significant investments to build on the steady economic growth that we have experienced under the previous Objective One Programme. This conference gives the many partners, stakeholders, businesses and support agencies the opportunity to see the totality of the investment activity to date."

Representatives from organisations contracting out much of the investment also spoke, including Jobcentre Plus and the Learning and Skills Council.

Carolyn Webster, Jobcentre Plus Devon and Cornwall District European Programmes Manager, said: "ESF Convergence investment has helped Jobcentre Plus and our delivery partners to respond quickly to the current economic climate by supporting people who are newly unemployed or at risk of redundancy as well as providing intensive help for people who face the biggest barriers to employment. Since July 2008, over 1,000 people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have benefited from our ESF provision."

Mark Williams, ESF Director for the South West Learning and Skills Council, added: "The contracts we have agreed over the last year have started making a real difference to the lives and aspirations of the people of Cornwall. Providing better access to training and support services is key to raising skill levels, reducing unemployment and improving self confidence in the workforce. All of which contribute to Cornwall’s strengthening social and economic environment."

More information: www.convergencecornwall.com