Solent Freeport has granted £10,000 to a Southampton project which helps young people into employment and training.

The funding for Southampton Young Adults Employment Hub will enhance the current range of services on offer, including increasing provision to residents aged under 18. This service offers a drop-in facility for advice or ongoing one-to-one support, use of wi-fi, computers and printer for free, and support to create or update CVs and cover letters.

There is also a chance to meet local training providers in person and sign up to free training courses and the opportunity to see a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) work coach and Southampton City Council employment officer.

The Solent Freeport cash injection will help with staff training, specifically around neurodiversity, as well as bus passes and travel costs to engage young people from vulnerable backgrounds to be inspired about work and reduce their risk of NEET.

It will also go into a funding pot to cover costs such as interview clothes, ID, DBS checks, travel and courses that aren’t funded (for example CSCS courses for 18 year olds)

Brian Johnson, chair of Solent Freeport, said:

“The freeport exists to lay the foundations upon which our coastal region can be transformed by attracting inward investment into our tax and customs sites, which will deliver high quality jobs and economic prosperity."

“This very much extends to working in collaboration with our many local authorities and private partner businesses across the region to seek the skilled workforce of the future as well as delivering help to people at the heart of the community in which we live and work."

“As a major organisation in the Solent region we have a responsibility to offer support wherever we can and so we had no hesitation in supporting Southampton Young Adults Employment Hub because of the excellent work it does in supporting our young people into work.”

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said:

“This £10,000 grant will make a real difference to young adults in our city by ensuring they receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time and helping them build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards work."

“Support like this shows the power of working together for Southampton and helps to back young adults with practical help, advice and opportunities, ensuring they are more confident and better prepared to shape a positive future.”

The hub is based on the first floor of Southampton Central Library at the Civic Centre and is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm.

Southampton City Council works in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support the city’s young people into training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities through the Young Adults Employment Hub.

The city council’s Employment Support Team has been supporting Southampton residents for longer than 30 years and in that time has helped more than 3,000 people into paid employment.

Photo: Strong Support - Solent Freeport has granted £10,000 to Southampton Young Adults Employment Hub which helps young people into employment and training from its base at Southampton Central Library at the Civic Centre