Giving a hand up rather than a handout

The right to work Work is not just about economic independence: It is central to our identity It plays an important role in our physical and mental health

Being out of work affects your whole life Confidence and self-esteem suffer Less likely to be an active and involved citizen More likely to live in poor housing, be victim of crime, be in poor physical health Unemployment creates a vicious circle which leads to dependency and fewer opportunities to work

Tomorrow’s People Independent employment charity Working nationally with unemployed people Helping overcome barriers to getting a job 25-year track record of success Supported over 400,000 long-term unemployed people on their journey back into work Pre 2011: 97% of people helped were still working after 3 months; 76% still in work after 12 months

Special focus on vulnerable young people Over 1 million young people in UK aged classed as NEET Young people with no skills or qualifications face huge barriers to getting a job Not achieved effective transition from school into work Suffering from poverty of aspiration and poverty of determination Supporting young people into jobs or training or back into education, helps get their lives back on track

What do we do? Young Peoples Services: Young People’s programmes – Working it Out (WIO), In2Work, Heathfield Works, Specialist Training and Think Forward Providing job opportunities for those most vulnerable Research through Praxis – in house research facility Piloting innovative solutions to other social issues Social Enterprise and trading activities

Working It Out 16-week programme centred around series of ‘Community Challenges’ Practical work experience alongside life- management skills, confidence and motivation Programme encourages leadership, initiative and involvement among young people who have multiple barriers Programmes in London, Glasgow, Newcastle, Plymouth, Brighton, Maidstone and Liverpool.

Working It Out - Maidstone Operating since 2009 Engaged with 87 Young People 67 Completers (77%) 56 Outcomes (83%) 27 into Employment 15 into Further Education 8 into Training 6 into Volunteering Tomorrows People continues to work with those Young People who have not yet achieved a tangible outcome.

Strength of Tomorrow’s People Special concern for vulnerable young people who leave school without skills or qualifications. Experienced at breaking down barriers that seem insurmountable Giving a hand up rather than a handout to help young people get and keep a job

What we want to see for young people Much more focus on ensuring effective transition from school into work Build the best journey for each young person by: - identifying much earlier those who are at risk of failing to make the transition. - assess vulnerable children well in advance so a detailed action plan can be delivered within the school system - personalise and plan the ‘journey’ with each young person to make sure individual needs are properly met - integrate each action plan into the school day, involving specialist providers like Tomorrow’s People where appropriate - NEVER LET ANYONE START THEIR JOURNEY ALONE