Partnership tackles young people in Eden who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET)

More than two thirds of the teenagers and young adults who have been supported by a scheme across Eden have secured work or completing a training course since it began in 2021.

Amelia was referred to the Eden Youth Hub two years ago. She was homeless and still a child. “I had no one. I struggle with anxiety and it was very scary, especially when you're trying to find a job and you struggle with it.”

She is one of more than 160 young people who have been supported into employment, education or training by the Eden Youth Hub. The service is run by Inspira on behalf of Westmorland and Furness Council, which provides match funding for money from the Department for Work and Pensions.  The Hub is held on the Rural Foyer in Penrith every Tuesday, with a youth worker from Inspira and a representative of the DWP present for appointments, but appointments can also be held at other locations across Eden to support young people in more rural locations.

The service helps each young person find the best option for them, be that finding a job or doing some sort of education or training.  

Inspira Youth Worker Loran Huddart aims for a holistic approach with each young person she works with. “We give them a good overview of getting into employment, education or training, helping with CVs and the skills that are required, such as being organised and turning up to appointments on time.”  

Ahmad is currently benefitting from support from the Eden Youth Hub.  "The support has given me the push I needed to search for different jobs. I feel as though they have also given me some good advice on where to look in my job search."   He is one of those who are encouraged into a voluntary role which could lead to paid employment. I hope once I complete my internship I can break into the market as a software developer."

Some young people – like Amelia – also need help with finding housing, and many benefit from help with independent living skills, money management and accessing local foodbanks. Loran Huddart continues to work with the young person after they start in a job or in education or training.  “We want them to sustain that employment, education and training, so we continue to support them. You know there have been barriers for them to overcome and there may still be a barrier in place but they are working on that. It’s fantastic to catch up with people to offer that in-work support and make sure they’re doing well.”

Amelia is one of the success stories, having secured a job and a home of her own. “I've got everything what I needed with the help and with Loran.”  And she’s not alone. The Eden Youth Hub opened in 2021, and in its first three full years it supported 163 young people, with 71% securing work for at least 8 weeks or completing a training course.  Of those that found work, 78% of these remained in their role longer term. 

Councillor Janet Battye, the Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, has praised the work done by the Eden Youth Hub. “This scheme has been really successful in getting young people into work or training, despite them facing sometimes significant challenges in their lives, and thanks to the outreach work is as open to someone in an isolated rural community as someone in Penrith. The figures speak for themselves, and I am proud that we have been able to fund this life-changing project.”

Amelia has some advice for other young people who find themselves not in employment, education or training: “Just open up and ask for help. There's always someone who's listening. They're going to be there once you ask.”

Young people can access the Eden Youth Hub via a referral from DWP, and should attend their local job centre in the first instance.

See this video showcasing the work of the Eden Youth Hub.
 

Figures for young people accessing the Eden Youth Hub in its first three years: