Young unemployed in Gainsborough to continue being support by £1.1 million Talent Match project

Launched in 2014, this news will mean the project will continue for a further three years (up until December 2018) utilising the £1.1 million investment into supporting disadvantaged young people (aged 18 to 24) into training and employment.

Young people, who have been unemployed for 12 months or month, living in Lincoln, Boston, Skegness and Gainsborough will be supported by a dedicated Youth Advocate.

The Youth Advocate will work with them on a one-to-one basis to boost their confidence and skills, with the ultimate aim of supporting them into the workplace.

The first two years of the project have highlighted the barriers facing unemployed young people across the region.

These include mental health problems, lack of confidence, lack of skills provision, seasonality of work and lack of transport.

By the end of the project, Talent Match aims to have supported more than 370 young people with the primary aim of getting them into positive outcomes and sustained employment.

Paula Batchelor, manager at Talent Match Lincolnshire, said: “It is brilliant news that we will be continuing to support young people into employment for the next three years via Talent Match.

“We work with these young people over a long period of time.

“And it is a credit to them when you see them grow in confidence, motivation and ultimately gain employment, especially considering some of the barriers they have overcome to get where they are now.”

Paul Taylor, partnership chairman for Talent Match Lincolnshire credited the success of Talent Match to the partnership model.

He said: “It’s a great example of local organisations working together for the benefit of young people in the county.” 

Insp Pat Coates, Lincolnshire Police and Core Partnership Member commented on the wider positive social impact a project like this can have in the local area,

He said: “We often encounter young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) because of the issues they face in their life such as homelessness, substance misuse or lack of confidence.

“This often puts them at risk of becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour and we recognise that working with these young people to overcome those barriers to employment is really important.

“The way Talent Match operates with Youth Advocates offering intensive support can have a huge impact on the future of those young people and gives the opportunity for sustainable employment.

“This is the best way for them to change their lives and ensure they do not become involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Three beneficiaries of the scheme, Charlotte, Daniel and Adam, have all been through the Talent Match programme and have experienced substantial positive changes in their lives.

Now employed with Talent Match, working as are ambassadors, Charlotte, Daniel and Adam are pleased to be in a position where they can help other young people experiencing similar difficulties.