Job Club for At-Risk Young People in East London

Event dates: Monday 6th January 2025 – Wednesday 31st December 2025

Introduction
Voyage seeks funding and support to establish a transformation Job Club for at-risk young people aged 16-21 in East London, with a focus on those affected by the criminal justice system. This initiative aims available to young people from October 2024 to support over 100 young people each year, helping them avoid criminal lifestyles, reduce recidivism, and resist involvement in gangs and serious organised crime.
 
Context
East London faces significant challenges with high levels of secondary school exclusion, unemployment, and criminal justice sentencing disparities. Young people, particularly those of Black and Mixed heritage, are disproportionately affected. They experience higher exclusion rates from secondary schools, are more likely to be unemployed, stopped and searched and receive longer custodial sentences. Non-compliance with community sentencing orders often leads to repeat offenses, perpetuating a cycle of crime and disadvantage which we wish to change.
 
Target Group
Our programmes specifically targets young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), those engaged with criminal justice services, and those with complex needs. We recognize the urgent need to provide structured support to help these individuals transition to mainstream lifestyles whilst challenging attitudes, behaviours and peer relationships.
 
Referral and Screening Process
Young people will be referred to the Job Club by Youth Justice Teams, Probation Services, Virtual Schools, MASH Groups, and Job Centres. Each referral will undergo a screening process to ensure they are granted access to the structured workshops and group work designed to meet their specific needs.
 
Objectives
 
·       Prevention of Criminal Lifestyles: Prevent young people from developing and maintaining criminal behaviours.
·       Skill Development: Equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to secure employment.
·       Behavioural Change: Challenge and transform negative attitudes and offending behaviours.
·       Supportive Environment: Create a safe and supportive space for young people to thrive and receive individualised and group support.
 
Programme Structure
 
The Job Club will operate as a vibrant hub offering a range of services:
 
·       121 Support: Personalized mentoring and support to address individual needs and goals.
·       Group Work: Peer mentoring and support groups to foster a sense of community and mutual aid.
·       Structured Workshops: Workshops on job readiness, life skills, and personal development.
·       Behavioural Interventions: Programs designed to challenge and change negative behaviours and mindsets.

The Job club will become a supportive hub (Safe Space) where young people can access trainers, mentors and employers designed to help participants comply to their court and community sentencing orders as well as:

·       connect to higher education and employment opportunities
·       devise personalised developmental targets
·       gain confidence, support and advocacy
·       reconnect with their communities and other supportive agencies

Progression to HyPE Project
After receiving support through a mix of 121 sessions and group work, participants will have the opportunity to join Voyage’s innovative and new Horizons Young Peoples Environmental Project (HyPE). This two-week intensive accredited course, delivered at New City College, is designed to provide young people with renewable skills in Photo Voltaic, Heat pump, water heating, and car charging installations. The HyPE project operates during the Easter and Summer periods, ensuring a smooth transition into mainstream opportunities offered by our employment partners in the environmental sector, New City College courses and broader possibilities to become a youth and community worker.
 
Mission
Our mission is to ensure that young people are not defined by their past actions, exclusions, or criminal records. We aim to inspire change and reduce the likelihood of long-term sentences and entrenched offending patterns and behaviours.
 
Outcomes
By participating in the Job Club and progressing to the HyPE project, young people will:
 
·       Gain access to renewable energy employment opportunities.
·       Gain a qualification to assist greater employment retention and sustainability
·       Develop a positive self-identity and outlook on life.
·       Build resilience and coping strategies.
·       Create pathways to further education and training.
·       Reduce their engagement with the criminal justice system.
 
Staffing and Expertise
The Job Club will be staffed by Voyages team of experienced and risk aware tutors and facilitators with expertise in youth work, criminal justice, and employment services. Our team will be being supported by environmental sector partners who will join sessions to provide insight, motivation and access to jobs. Our collective efforts will ensure effective trusting working relationships with the young people, guiding them through their transformation journey over any given year.
 
Impact Measurement
We will measure the success of the Job Club through various metrics, including:
 
·       Reduction in re-offending rates among participants.
·       Number of young people securing employment or enrolling in education/training programmes.
·       Improvements in participants' confidence, skills, and attitudes.
·       Participant feedback and satisfaction surveys.
 
Budget and Funding Request
 
We are seeking funding to cover the costs of:
 
·       Staffing (mentors, workshop facilitators, support staff)
·       Facility rental and maintenance
·       Programme materials and resources
·       Outreach and recruitment efforts
·       Monitoring and evaluation activities
·       Residentials and visits to places of interest
 
Conclusion
With your support, we can provide at-risk young people in East London with the necessary tools, support, and access to opportunities needed to build positive futures. Together, we can break the cycle of crime and help these young people realise their full potential.