Reference: PR21 15

Date: Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Young people across Epsom and Ewell will soon be able to benefit from additional help to gain the skills and experience they need to get into employment.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has successfully bid for a grant of £98k to establish a Youth Hub to support young people aged 18 to 24 years old in the borough who are in receipt of Universal Credit and unemployed.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the numbers of borough residents claiming Universal Credit. The under 24 year-old age group have been significantly affected.

The grant, awarded by the Department for Work and Pensions, will be used to launch a new service that pulls together a range of partner resources to provide employment information and advice, support employer connections, work placements and mentors, to support young people find work.

Councillor Alex Coley, Chair of the Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee said “Every young person should have the opportunity to achieve their employment ambitions.

“Our young people have been hit hard by the pandemic, which is why we’re launching this project to support them.

“We’re focusing on those who really need this support, so they can obtain the skills they need to realise their aspirations”.

The Youth Hub is a partnership between Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP), Epsom Job Centre Plus and Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership, supported by Nescot, Coast to Capital LEP and Go Epsom.

Kevin Delf, from Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership, stated: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting venture!

“Young people need new careers and jobs.  The economy needs the talent and ideas that they bring.  The Epsom Youth Skills Hub can help make it happen”.

Frances Rutter, Nescot Principal, said “Nescot’s expertise and leading objective is helping people develop the skills to fulfil their career ambitions. Working with this new Youth Hub, even more young people in the area will be able to access our highly-regarded careers guidance and advice on vocational training.”

The Youth Hub will launch in August 2021.

Referrals to the scheme are through Job Centre Plus work coaches who will be meeting the target group every two weeks.