The unemployment rate for young people aged 16-24 is currently 16.9% with over 955,000 young people NEET. This is despite the recent reduction in the overall unemployment rate.
These young people are in many cases in gangs, at risk of joining gangs and on the fringes of criminality. Some young people are in EET but have been ill-advised and at RISK of NEET. Congregations of young people who are NEET or at Risk of NEET on our estates increases the risk of anti-social behavior. This has a detrimental effect on the young people themselves/ communities in which they live. This has a negative impact on community cohesion and fuels negative stereotypes. The purpose of the project is to re-engage and equip young people to identify their needs and overcome any barriers they have in accessing/continuing education, training or work.

We have chosen this way of engagement and stuck to it simply because it has given us instant results. There has not been this sort of engagement in this community at all and we being here really dose make a difference.

People have tried other methods before and have not been successful, residents have actually stated it was very patronizing and forceful. A new approach is required to engage young people and support them into education, employment or training.

Young People - Beneficiaries

Young people who would not access traditional services or whom resist access to mainstream provision. Individuals who are at risk of NEET, young people in vocational occupations who either have low income, those who lack skills and appropriate qualifications to access the job market. Young people who have received inappropriate guidance.

The Community.
Benefits to the community include a reduction in crime and anti-social behavior, an increase in volunteering and community activity, increased community cohesion and improved inter-generational relationships.

Giving will support the continuation of this work.