An innovative project by BCHA to engage the growing number of young people in BCP who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) is helping many of its participants to find a clearer path in life.
BCHA Learn, the employability arm of BCHA, launched the free to join 1624 programme in September 2023 with funding secured from the grant-giving charity Talbot Village Trust.
The year-long scheme which offers intensive, one-to-one, or small group coaching and optional practical skills, achieved its target of engaging 20 young people within just six months.
Almost a year on, it has engaged 27 young people, 85% of whom have reported an increase in confidence and motivation, 66% have accessed education and accredited learning and 59% have entered more informal training.
Three young people have succeeded in gaining volunteer roles and two have already secured paid employment.
Figures show that 788,000 people aged 16-24 were identified as NEET in the UK at the end of 2022, up from 724,000 in the previous quarter.
Here in BCP, an estimated 11.5 per cent of all young people are believed to be NEET. These include those who cannot find work, those who have lost jobs, or those who have already dropped out of school or college, or are at risk of doing so.
Val Jefferies, Project Manager of 1624 explained: “We are incredibly pleased with the progress 1624 has made during the past year.
“The young people we have worked with have found themselves NEET for a variety of reasons, including starting college and not being able to cope, redundancy, having special educational needs, or leaving the care system.
“Most young people do not choose to be NEET. It makes them feel lost and helpless and that their life is ‘in limbo’. It can also have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health and increase the likelihood of unemployment, low wage, and low quality of work later in life.
“We have found that 1624’s combination of bespoke coaching, alongside valuable life skills such as cooking and budgeting, boosts confidence, reduces anxiety, and helps individuals to develop a strong CV and strengthened employability.
“Feedback from our young participants has been overwhelmingly positive and it has been deeply satisfying for everyone involved to see their transformation from often shy, under confident individuals, to young people with a sense of self-worth and purpose.”
Programme participant Robyn Chester, 19, from Bournemouth said: “When I first came to 1624, I was quite lost and didn’t know where to go next with my life. My coaches Paige and Nadia have both been deeply knowledgeable and supportive and I have really enjoyed the practical sessions such as cooking, goal setting, tenancy management, money skills, budgeting, and communication.
“I am now on track to start a volunteering role thanks to 1624. I feel more confident, and don’t feel lost anymore. I’d like to see more young people like me taking advantage of 1624.”
Sophie Mould secured a volunteering role and is currently completing a maths qualification with BCP’s Skills & Learning Adult Community Education after finishing the 1624 course.
She said: "I will really miss the support (the project) gave me. I hope that BCHA will run more projects like 1624, it's a service that is well-needed for young people."
Zofia Kulczycka agreed: "The group finished, and I met two really nice humans that are also autistic. We have created a WhatsApp chat."
Val Jefferies continued: “Our thanks go to Talbot Village Trust for its financial backing and to our referral partners including the DWP, BCP Council and Bournemouth & Poole College for all their help in helping us to make the pilot of 1624 a success.
“We are now applying for funding to extend and grow 1624, so we can support even more young people in BCP to find their path in life.”
The 1624 programme is still active and open to new participants. Flexible one- to-one coaching and optional small group workshops are available in Bournemouth, Poole and Boscombe and public transport expenses are paid.
Funds are also available for interview clothes and short courses. To find out more please click here.
BCHA is a charitable housing association supporting individuals and families across the South West and South of England. It is a major provider of a diverse range of housing, support and learning services for socially excluded people.
For media information on this release please contact: communications@bcha.org.uk
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