A PIONEERING project which helps unemployed disabled people into jobs has been given a cash boost of more than £350,000.

Stepping Stones, run by Community Care Options (COMCO), helps unemployed adults with sensory, physical or learning disabilities, health issues and behavioural disorders gain work experience.

The initiative has been announced as one of eight causes across the north west to receive a share of more than £2.2 million from the Big Lottery – with Stepping Stones awarded £351,501.

The funding will help COMCO, which has its headquarters in Egerton but has a skills training centre in Halliwell Business Park, continue to run a variety of courses.

Stepping Stones currently offers free basic training in administration, IT, engineering and mechanical repair, woodwork, DIY and bricklaying with many of the courses AQA-accredited.

A mentor scheme helps participants create links with Bolton’s employers and a careers club offers help with CVs, interview technique and job searches.

Tim Davies-Pugh, Big Lottery Fund deputy director, England, said: "It is really great to see how projects across the North West are set to make such a positive difference for those most vulnerable in our local communities.

“Stepping Stones is an excellent example of how Lottery funding can be used to inspire people with disabilities to reach their true potential.”

One of last year’s participants in the Stepping Stones programme was Michael Shaw, who left school before he could receive any certificates and was out of work for 10 years due to alcohol problems.

However, after becoming teetotal, he completed Stepping Stones courses in DIY and bricklaying before signing up to a mechanical engineering course.

Michael said: “To get my first ever certificate in DIY meant everything to me.”

COMCO provides supported living for people with learning disabilities, mental health problems and physical disabilities.

The charity also offers a shopmobility scooter and wheelchair hire service, along with workshop repairs for people who own their own scooter or wheelchair, in Topp Way Car Park in Bolton.