CPQ2134-21 Listening Ear Phase 2

A Listening Ear Pilot was commissioned December 2020, as part of the Team Devon COVID-19 economy and business recovery prospectus. The pilot provided businesses with the opportunity to chat informally to an experienced volunteer about whatever was making them feel stressed in relation to how COVID 19 impacted on them.

The service was initially designed around feedback from Business Advisors who had experienced some challenging conversations with business owners and from business leaders who were seeking support as a result of COVID 19. In many instances the business owners vented their concerns at the Business Advisor; these conversations were emotive and expressed how the business owner was feeling, at the height of the restrictions.

The pilot operated from December 2020 until March 2021. Due to low initial take-up of the one-to-one service the project expanded its offer to ensure reach by hosting two webinar-style events. Additional marketing was also undertaken to promote these events and encourage take-up. The workshop events proved to be popular, and the pilot was able to meet output targets.

The second phase of the Listening Ear will not only support businesses but will expand its reach to provide support to individuals who are currently in employment, seeking employment or are entering into the job market.

The service will provide its beneficiaries with the tools and techniques that support wellbeing in order to build resilient communities, workforce and businesses within Devon, that will be able to meet the challenges and opportunities that the recovery period presents.