BOOST started as a two-year pilot project (2015 – 2017) under a scheme funded by DWP to test new initiatives called Working People Working Places.

We were keen to co-locate related services, test the connection between employment and mental health and build on the successful work of Barnet’s Welfare Reform Taskforce. BOOST started in Burnt Oak as a service for residents of Burnt Oak ward only. Our original team comprised colleagues from Barnet Homes, Barnet Council, Future Path, Jobcentre Plus and Love Burnt Oak

The original two-year pilot target was to help 250 local people into employment and we achieved 272 so it was clear from the start that the approach would be capable of delivering positive outcomes. With this in mind and with support from Council Members and senior leaders at Barnet Council BOOST was funded to continue operations beyond March 2017.

In 2017 our service was extended to another ward – Childs Hill – and we expanded the team and opened a new service from a shop at 184 Cricklewood Lane using the same co-located partnering and holistic assessment approach. The shop was completely refurbished thanks to social value contributions from Morgan Sindall Ltd one of Barnet Homes’s contractor partners.

This extended availability proved to be successful so the BOOST service rolled out borough wide in 2018. During this period we also extended outreach to South Friern Library in N10 and Probation Service.

The team’s original focus was one that looked at the holistic needs of residents, and indeed the needs remain the same today:
• Tackling wider barriers to employment (such as health, housing, digital and financial inclusion)
• Income (such as support with welfare reform impact advice, better off in-work calculations, money and debt advice)
• Employability Support (support in getting someone work-ready, addressing any gaps in skills, understanding any mobility/health requirements and supporting with childcare etc.)
• Jobs (ensuring a direct link to employers and vacancies/work experience and in-work support)

Using the Manchester New Economy Model our return on investment for the pilot period was calculated at £2.78 for every £1 spent in Barnet and £5.99 for every £1 in wider benefits to the public purse.