Member Article

Success of youth unemployment project celebrated

The success of an innovative project to tackle youth unemployment in Hartlepool has been celebrated at a special event.

The second anniversary celebration for the Hartlepool Youth Investment Project (HYIP) took place at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience and followed the release of figures showing that youth unemployment in the town now stands at 8.7% compared to 17% just two years ago - the biggest reduction in the North-East and one of the largest in Great Britain.

Launched in September 2012, the HYIP brings together all of Hartlepool Council’s youth employment initiativwes and those of partners, including schools, colleges, Jobcentre Plus, National Apprenticeship Service, Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership, work-based learning providers, the voluntary sector, Teesside University and, crucially, employers.

It aims to promote collaborative working to improve the employability and entrepreneurial skills of young people so that they are well prepared for the world of work.

The celebration heard from a series of keynote speakers and included the presentation of five “special recognition” awards to acknowledge the achievements of some of the young people who have benefited from the project.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the Leader of Hartlepool Council, described the HYIP as a “monumental, resounding” success and said: “It is one of our greatest achievements as a council and one that is particularly worthy of celebration.

“We have an obligation to meet the needs of all young people in Hartlepool and it is important to recognise that the “one size fits all” approach isn’t the best way of working.

“The alliance that has been so effectively forged between partners means that there is a cohesive but flexible group of organisations working to ensure that all young people are given opportunities in life.”

Peter Bowes, Managing Director of Hartlepool-based Bridgman IBC Ltd who has been heavily involved in the HYIP, hailed its impact in his speech and issued a fresh rallying cry, adding: “Thanks for listenings, now let’s continue to make a difference!”

Councillor Kevin Cranney, Vice-Chair of Hartlepool Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “Hartlepool is one of the councils facing the biggest budget cuts and yet we continue to punch well above our weight.

“One of the key factors in the HYIP’s success has been the extraordinary level of co-operation and co-ordination between partners and the development of a one-stop shop approach to supporting our young people. Another is, of course, the hard work of our young people who have embraced the HYIP with enthusiasm and this is reflected in the presentation of the “special recognition” awards.”

The following awards were presented:

Apprentice of the Year - Ashleigh Lynn, 18, a teaching assistant placed within the town’s Catcote Academy.

Volunteer of the Year - Rebekah Carter, 22, who facilitates jewellery-making and craft sessions for people with mental health and personal difficulties.

Employee of the Year - Shona Newton-Smith, 19, who works as a catering assistant within the coffee shop at Catcote Academy

Learner of the Year - Mark Davison, 20, a student at Catcote Futures who has developed into a model student and made great strides in his education.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year- Paul Whitlock, 22, who has overcome a number of personal issues to form a successful comic book/graphic novella publishing house.

Individuals, companies and other organisations wanting further information about the HYIP can telephone Julie Seymour at Hartlepool Council on (01429) 523520 or email julie.seymour@hartlepool.gov.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Steve Hilton .