Include Youth launch exciting new space in Lisburn to support young people!

“I love being on the YouthStart programme, it has opened up a lot of opportunities for me and helped me gain qualifications I wasn't able to obtain when I left school. ”

Friday 15th September marked an exciting day for Include Youth, as a new space in the heart of the city centre was opened, delivering a new and innovative programme for young people. The YouthStart programme will support over 2200 young people throughout Northern Ireland over the next 2 years (2023-2025).  This youth employability programme, which is founded on a youth work approach, aims to build young people’s skills for life, learning and work. YouthStart has received £6m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

This intervention will provide support to build confidence, employability skills, life skills and improve opportunities to enter and sustain employment. Highly skilled staff will provide an extensive holistic approach tailored to individual needs. Young people will have the opportunity to take part in social actions, team building, gain qualifications, avail of supported work experiences, and develop CV and interview skills.  Include Youth’s Give & Take service, an integral part of YouthStart, benefits from additional support from South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to engage young people within the council area.

The YouthStart consortium consists of seven leading youth work charities all experienced in providing transformative intervention support that meets the needs of young people responding to local needs and tackling the Government’s asks of addressing the high levels of economic inactivity across Northern Ireland.

“Include Youth are delighted to have this new space and offer this service to young people in the Lisburn area. If you are a young person and not sure what your next step is, why not get in touch and find out how we can support you. There is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of many young people and the wider community!”

“It’s been brilliant getting work experience and working towards my essential skills!”