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Epsom & Ewell Youth Hub secures funding for second year

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and partners, including the Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership, have secured funding to allow the Epsom & Ewell Youth Hub to continue for a second year.

The hub launched in August 2021 to support people aged 16-24, who are unemployed and in receipt of Universal Credit, into employment. Since then the hub has given more than 200 people access to training, apprenticeships and jobs, exceeding targets by 35%.

The hub has also moved into new, larger premises at Global House next to the Ashley Centre in Epsom Town Centre.

The Youth Hub is a partnership between Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership, supported by Nescot, Coast to Capital LEP and Go Epsom.

Councillor Alex Coley, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said “We are tremendously excited that we are able to continue supporting young people in Epsom & Ewell into lasting employment.

“We know from our Epsom & Ewell hub customers that low confidence is a huge issue when it comes to finding work. The hub gives young people, including those suffering with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, those with learning difficulties, and refugees, access to training and workshops that boost their confidence and help them onto the first rung of their career ladder.”

Kevin Delf, from Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership, said: “It is a win-win situation; young people need new careers and jobs. The economy needs the talent and ideas that they bring.

“We are excited to be able to continue to support local businesses in Epsom & Ewell through the Youth Hub, matching businesses with the young talented people they need to succeed.”

Local business owners who would like to be involved should email: epsomandewellhub@surreyllp.org.uk

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Notes to Editors

Referrals to the scheme are through Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches. Any person between the ages of 16-24 who is unemployed and in receipt of Universal Credit qualifies for support. There is also a walk-in service available at the hub.

For further comment, images and more information please contact the communications team at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council: communications@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or call 01372 732000.

The Youth Hub has helped more than 200 young people to-date. Here are the stories of two people supported by the Epsom & Ewell Youth Hub below which can be used as case studies.

Case Study: Lily

Lily, a Graphic Design graduate, was referred to the Epsom & Ewell Youth Hub during the summer. She was receiving Universal Credit after struggling to find employment after graduating.
The Epsom & Ewell Youth Hub worked with Lily to prepare her for an intern interview. The team supported Lily to find ways to deal with the emotional ups and downs and how to remain resilient and motivated throughout the process.
Although Lily was not successful on that occasion, the team was able to continue to support Lily and she continued to apply for roles and network. A few weeks later, Lily successfully obtained a role with a London agency as a Creative Designer.
Lily said: “I felt that the hub was a great support in aiding with my anxieties and keeping up my motivation when applying for jobs and going to interviews, and the ways I could reflect on my rejections.”

Case Study: Anna

Anna, originally from Ukraine, has a degree and a master’s in food technology in Ukraine with experience in sales management. Anna was looking for employment and Epsom Jobcentre Plus referred her to The Epsom & Ewell Youth Hub for support. The hub worked with Anna to prepare her for interviews which were very different from those she had experienced in Ukraine.
The team also helped encourage Anna who was simultaneously working to improve her English with the Refugee Network. Anna attended workshops at the Epsom & Ewell Youth Hub to help her manage her nerves and improve her interview skills.
Anna said: “The Youth Hub workshops, hosted with Nescot performing arts, taught me techniques to improve my body language and build my confidence, as well as voice projection exercises and useful interview tips. Thanks to the support provided by the Epsom & Ewell Youth Hub, I was successful in my application for a new role a few weeks later. In Epsom & Ewell I feel I have been supported and welcomed and I’m looking forward to continuing to live and work here”.