This programme is designed to overcome disadvantage in two very different geographical areas - the urban area of the Waterside in Londonderry and rural West Sligo. Both areas have pockets of disproportionately high rates of unemployment. West Sligo also has a very low rate of female participation in the paid workforce - only 29% of women are participating in the workforce. Many unemployed and under-employed people in both areas lack the work skills necessary to compete effectively in today's workforce.

The Waterside has clearly experienced the adverse impact of the Conflict in terms of damage to business, industry and the economy and the consequent scarcity of employment.

The programme is designed to address these issues and contribute to paving a way towards reconciliation. It seeks to target particularly the hidden unemployed - married women whose partners are drawing benefit, people with disabilities, etc - risk of attack.