With our first six months complete at the end of September, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the people, partnerships and opportunities that have shaped Highland Thrive’s journey so far.
We began with a clear purpose: to offer practical, personalised support that helps people move forward and strengthens connections across our Highland communities.
Over these first six months, that purpose has taken us into community venues, conversations with employers, events and one-to-one discussions with people considering their next step.
As we begin October, we’re proud to share that progress and look ahead to what we can achieve together.
Our First Six Months in Numbers
We’re proud to share what our work so far has included:
- 68 people supported
- 18 job starts
- 9 people supported through training and qualifications
- 6 people supported towards self-employment
Behind these figures are different circumstances, ambitions and starting points. Progress might mean beginning a job, developing a skill, exploring a business idea or rebuilding the confidence to consider what comes next.
Each step matters.
The People Behind the Progress
The words of the people we support help explain why this work matters.
“It isn’t too much of an exaggeration to say that I feel like ‘me’ again, thank you.”
For someone returning to employment, support can help make the next step feel possible:
“I couldn’t have got back into work without your support.”
For others, the journey involves turning an idea into a business:
“I really couldn’t have got my business up and running without your support.”
And sometimes, feedback recognises the relationship at the heart of that support:
“It’s a pleasure to be dealing with people who are so good at what they do.”
We’re grateful to everyone who has shared their experience and trusted us to work alongside them. Their words remind us to keep listening and to shape support around the individual.
Out in Our Communities
Our first six months have also been about meeting people where they are.
The Dornoch Jobs Fair brought people together around employment opportunities, while our business start-up event created space to explore ideas and connect with support.
Community outreach and drop-in sessions have provided opportunities for informal conversations. These can be a useful starting point for someone who wants help but isn’t yet sure what to ask for.
We have also valued opportunities to meet local organisations, including attending the opening of the Gro For You Community Innovation Campus in Tain.
Across these activities, the aim is consistent: to make connections, understand local needs and help people find a practical way forward.
Working Together to Create Opportunities
Thank you to the employers, community organisations and partners who have welcomed us, shared information and contributed to our first six months.
Local relationships matter. An introduction, a conversation about a vacancy or an offer of work experience can create an opportunity for someone to explore their potential.
We’re keen to build more of these connections across Easter Ross and Sutherland, working with businesses and organisations that want to help people move towards and into employment.
Looking Ahead
As we begin our next six months, we will continue to focus on personalised support, accessible conversations and opportunities shaped around people and place.
If you are looking for work, considering training, returning after a break or exploring self-employment, you do not need to have everything worked out before contacting us.
If you are an employer or organisation interested in recruitment, offering work experience or exploring a partnership, we would also welcome a conversation.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of Highland Thrive’s journey so far. We look forward to taking the next steps together.
Leave a Reply