What are the target Groups?
LEADER not only targets a specific geographical area but also provides for an additional focus on target groups who may face particular barriers or challenges, be otherwise disadvantaged, be considered critical to a sustainable community or may represent specific opportunities. In West Lothian the following groups are targeted: - Young people - educational achievement varies for the 14 to 24 year old group. It is also important to retain young people in the area;
- Women - are particularly vulnerable to the fragility of part-time work and, for example, difficulties in accessing childcare and other services in the rural area;
- Micro-enterprises - small businesses are vital to a dynamic rural economy, however, they may face obstacles and challenges, especially in their initial development period;
- The young, long-term unemployed - this group faces particular challenges in relation to employability, requiring targeted assistance for entry to the job market through training, further education, job experience, apprenticeship schemes;
- Social economy organisations - such as community development trusts and social enterprises need development support as they have a distinct and valuable role to play in helping create a strong and socially inclusive economy.
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