The employment and training programme, set up by Central Bedfordshire Council, will continue to grow until 2015, thanks to an extra £1.4 million in European Social Fund money.
The money will fund projects to help people get back into work and training.
The council will use the money to fund work clubs, business start-up programmes, Get Into Work programmes and support adults with metal health issues back to work.
The programme was set up in 207, using £4.9 million of European Funding, it supports a range of projects, including assistance for young people not in education, employment and training.
Councillor Nigel Young said: “We want to continue to improve the lives of those living and working in Central Bedfordshire.
“We arranged for 15 local providers to meet this week so that they can work together, pass forward referrals and offer a complete package of support with the ultimate aim of getting unemployed people back into work.
“In the first half of the current programme, the council smashed national averages for outcomes from the funding. For example, an external evaluation found that nearly half of adult participants progressed into employment compared to a sixth nationally. This extra £1.4 million means that we can continue to give funding to programmes like this, through to 2015, that makes a very real difference to people’s lives.”
Nolan Johnson works for CAN Partnership, an agency for young adults in Bedfordshire trying to overcome substance misuse.
Mr Johnson said: “It is vital that we work closely with the council and other organisations in Central Bedfordshire to help individuals understand the help that’s available to them.
“I myself accessed these services a couple of years ago and without knowing the various training and support available to me, I would not be where I am today.”