SOCIAL enterprise Paperworks is hoping a new sponsorship scheme will safeguard its skills training and work experience programmes for people with disabilities, mental health problems and other health-related barriers to work in the wake of government cuts. Paperworks, based in Harrogate, said a number of trainee places are currently under threat due to changes in government funding and is seeking sponsorship from businesses.

Damien Handslip, manager, said: “We currently have places for eight trainees a day at our Harrogate centre in Hookstone Avenue but some of those attending no longer receive financial support from the agencies who referred them to us and we are struggling to meet their costs “If we can’t find a solution it’s possible that their tailored work preparation programmes will not be able to continue for much longer.”

Phone Mr Handslip on 01423 816999 to find out how to sponsor a trainee.