Scheme to help jobless young people in Blackpool gets £400k award

Streetlife which provides support to vulnerable and homeless young people is one of the project's partners

A project which helps young unemployed people in a seaside town has been awarded £400,000 of lottery funding to extend its work.

Led by the Rank Foundation, the scheme has already helped 278 people, aged between 18 and 25, living in the Claremont area of Blackpool.

It has supported them either to find work or access training or education.

The extra funding means the project can be extended to three other wards - Bloomfield, Talbot and Brunswick.

Claremont was the first targeted after research found more than 400 unemployed youngsters in just 10 streets between Westminster Road and Dickson Road.

Support includes referrals to college, help to find better accommodation, providing access to health and fitness services, as well as mental health support.

'Turning the tide'

The Rank Foundation has partnered with Freestyle Urban Soccer, Empowerment, Streetlife, Blackpool Football Club Community Trust, Groundwork, and Blackpool Coastal Housing.

The partnership aims to understand what stops young people finding jobs, education or training by asking them what solutions they would like to see.

Most people who were asked said unemployment was not a "lifestyle choice" but barriers included issues such as anxiety, unsuitable housing and a lack of basic skills such as English and maths.

One young person said the team helped them find a flat and become more physically fit through boxing.

They added: "The walk and talk sessions have allowed me to talk openly about many issues, which has helped to reduce my stress, worry and anxiety.

"With their support, I'm looking at returning to education or finding a job."

Dame Julia Cleverdon, chair of the Pride of Place - Claremont Steering Group Board, said: "The Claremont team, sponsored by Rank Foundation who have led the collaborative work with partners to support young 18 to 24-year-old unemployed people in this ward, are so delighted our lessons learnt can now be shared and implemented across three more wards in Blackpool.

"We are turning the tide in this coastal community."