CSW Group has received £225,000 of the UKSPF grant from Somerset Council which is the first Levelling Up People and Skills contract in the region; which will help some of the most vulnerable young people make a positive move towards education, employment and training.     

The new project called #ProgressSomerset, will provide in-depth support to young people aged 15-18 across Somerset.    

The project is a continuation of a highly successful vital service previously funded by Building Better Opportunities for disadvantaged not in education, employment or training (NEET) young people and focuses on 5 key employability skills; communication, customer service, organisation, problem solving, and teamwork each having been identified as crucial skills by local employers.  

Positive outcomes previously achieved include;  

• Helped (32%) 121 young people into education or training                
• Helped (32%) 120 young people into employment and or job searching 

Over the next year, in close collaboration with the Somerset Council ‘SomersetWorks’ NEETs Project, CSW will work with 50 hard to reach young people across Somerset; including those with mental health issues, additional needs, lone parents, and care leavers. 

CSW has over twenty years’ experience as transition management specialists and are the region’s leading provider in advice and guidance.  Those involved in the Project will receive ongoing individual help from an identified key worker who will build a personalised package of support. Specialist provision will be identified and sourced from a range of partner organisations ensuring that these young people get the crucial support they require. 

Chris Saxby, Managing Director of CSW said, #Progress Somerset is an important new programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  The team at CSW Group are very proud to continue their great collaborative relationships with Somerset Council and our locally-based delivery partners providing vital support to vulnerable young people who have yet to find their way to training or work but are looking to add value to their community. 

Key Worker said,  “We are delighted to have received funding for a new project in Somerset which will provide opportunities for young people who are NEET to access support, overcome barriers and build a better future for themselves.  

Somerset has had a dedicated team of experienced keyworkers on the #Focus5 project for a number of years and a strong record of helping young people take positive steps in overcoming their barriers.  

We will continue to build on this expertise to ensure young people in Somerset are supported and able to recognise their potential. We look forward to making a real difference to the lives of young people in the Somerset community in this fantastic new project #ProgressSomerset.”

 

 — Ends —  

Notes to editors  

#ProgressSomerset has received £225,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus. 

 

CSW Group is a not-for-profit social enterprise. We deliver a range of services nationally. We provide contracts that support young people, adults and businesses through key transition points. We deliver services that build aspiration and turn it into achievement, unlocking potential and developing individuals and organisations.