Camden Council’s Money Advice and Good Work Camden teams have been working alongside charity Greater Change to pilot a new grant scheme to help young Camden residents into work.
The ‘personalised employment grants for young people’ pilot funds targeted and bespoke support that young Camden residents aged 16 to 30 need to find a job or training. This looks different for everyone – it could be vouchers to help pay for interview expenses like clothing or travel, a laptop, or a training course to upskill them so that they can land their dream job.
A total of £200,000 has been dedicated to the pilot, which is equally funded by Camden Council and Greater Change. So far, 57 young people have been referred for grants, 29 of them have already received grants averaging £1,680 and over £47,500 has been distributed.
Young people do not apply for this grant. Instead, those in need of this support are referred for support by Good Work Camden’s job hub advisors and Camden’s Children’s Services team who work with care leavers and children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those with experience of the youth justice system.
This pilot will help us deliver on our We Make Camden Youth Mission to ensure that every young person has access to economic opportunity that enables them to be safe and secure. And while it’s still early days, we’re already hearing amazing stories from local young people who are benefiting from this pilot.
Anonymous, 21 years old
“My career and training aspirations are to work with children, either in a school setting or by going into teaching. I’ve always wanted to be in a role where I can make a difference in young people’s lives and help them learn and grow, and feel safe and supported.
“This has been made possible by Greater Change and Good Work Camden. They’ve supported me by providing funding towards important things I need including a computer for my university studies, clothing and shoes for work. This support has made my studies and career goals much more achievable, taking away a lot of the stress and allowing me to focus on developing my skills. It will also help me gain independence and the ability to travel to work, placements, and university.
“I would definitely recommend Greater Change to young people. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because there are people and organisations who want to see you succeed and who believe in you and your future.”
Mohib, 24 years old
“I would like to work in a warehouse, packaging, or retail, because I enjoy sorting items, organising things, and helping customers.
“I am doing a training placement and I really enjoy it because I am part of a team, I learn customer service, and I feel useful.
“I have a learning disability, but I am proud of the progress I have made. I’ve been doing training and work experience at a warehouse where I’m learning packing skills, how to follow instructions, and how to work with other people.
“A big goal for me is travel independence. Learning to travel alone has given me confidence, and I hope that one day I will be able to go to more places without needing support.”
“I would say to other young people with learning disabilities: don’t give up. This support has helped me become more confident, active, and independent. With the right support, you can achieve your goals.”
“I would say to other young people with learning disabilities: don’t give up”
Mohib
Elyas, 24 years old
“My goal is to work in administration, especially in local government, the NHS or a charity.
“Jo and Jawad [at Good Work Camden] have been incredibly kind and supportive ever since I moved to Camden. They are helping me figure out my new life here and guiding me as I think about my career path.
“I want to build my confidence, improve my communication skills and learn more about career options here in London that could suit me.
“I would definitely recommend Good Work Camden. Jo and Jawad really listen and care. Don’t hesitate to seek help with them. It is completely okay to feel lost or unsure about what career path to choose, they will help you find opportunities you might not have known about, just like me when I moved to the UK. They are very compassionate individuals and really care about you.”
Good Work Camden helps young Camden residents find well-paid, fulfilling work and training opportunities, and Greater Change is a charity that provides grants to help reduce homelessness.
