OVER £400,000 has been granted to a new employability project in Torfaen.

Communities for Work Plus will support other training schemes by providing intensive mentoring for those out of touch with the job market, particularly families where generations have not worked.

Welsh language and life-long learning minister, Eluned Morgan, said an individualised approach was needed to help some people.

The scheme is part of the Welsh Government's employability plan to reduce the number of people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), increase the number of disabled people in work, and eliminate the qualification gap between Wales and the rest of the UK.

Victoria Winkler from the Bevan Foundation said: "It's very difficult, I think, for people when you haven't had a purpose to get up in the morning for such a long time without any help and guidance."

She said that children seeing parents and grandparents out of work becomes a vicious circle and has a knock on effect throughout the family.

"This money is fantastic and I'm so pleased it is there,” Ms Winkler added.

Ms Morgan said: "The employability plan recognises that some people experience barriers which prevent them entering work and advocates an individualised approach to helping those furthest from the jobs market into work.

"Communities for Work Plus is a perfect example of this approach, supporting people to undertake further training or providing practical help and advice to people to support people in achieving their aspirations."

People will receive support from community employment mentors, access to work clubs, free vocational training, CV writing provision, interview and job application support and wider provision for financial help and health and wellbeing.