Earlier this month, we brought some of our partners together to mark three years of Levelling Up in Essex. We heard some truly impactful stories from individuals and groups which have directly benefitted from council funding and support.
This is a programme I introduced in 2022 with the ambitious aim of unlocking potential across our county. It looked to ensure that every resident - regardless of background or circumstance - would have the opportunity to thrive.
This mission has now helped over 100,000 of our residents to date. Nearly 140,000 are expected to be positively impacted by the end of 2025.
Levelling Up Essex has focused efforts where they are needed the most. It has targeted investment and innovation in places, tackling inequality at its roots.
New projects have been introduced across the county, giving residents better access to skills, education and fulfilling careers while also meeting the needs of businesses.
It has helped children be physically active with positive mental wellbeing, as well as re-engage young people not in education, employment or training (NEETS) through targeted interventions.
We have strengthened our communities by investing in community hubs and opened 14 community supermarkets to provide access to affordable, nutritious food.
Through initiatives like our Poppins and Nightingale Bursaries, we have helped residents gain qualifications in sectors critical to Essex’s future.
Together, we can now build on this programme and lay the groundwork for the future of Essex. While the national language around ‘levelling up’ has changed, this work remains a priority. A strong economy and getting people into jobs will continue to be at the heart of our work.
Essex is more than just a county - it’s a hub of innovation, industry and investment. It is a region that drives not just local success, but national prosperity. We will continue to invest in supporting access to employment and breaking down barriers to our residents getting the skills they need and the jobs they want.
The last three years have shown what it is possible for us to achieve when vision matches action, and when local leadership works to drive change. Essex is ready to lead the way to create growth and opportunity, and this is just the start.
Visit www.essex.gov.uk/levelling-up-essex to find out more about Levelling Up and how you can access support.
Leave a comment