Christians in Sheffield Respond to Rising Youth Unemployment

Christians in Sheffield respond to

RISING YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

For 18 months, churches, Christian volunteers, businesses and charities have been working together to create job opportunities for 18-24-year-olds at risk of long term unemployment. Together for Sheffield has been helping coordinate these efforts.

Ben Woollard, CEO of Together for Sheffield says, “We want young adults to be supported by one of the healthiest, most thriving social networks that exist – the Christian community. This has been a front and centre aspect of the initiative and is inspired by the overt Christcentred approach of Christians Against Poverty (CAP). We need not be ashamed of Jesus Christ and what our communities can offer.”

With initial Government support, Together for Sheffield developed a programme of training, work experience placements and mentoring that supported over 65 young adults at risk of long term unemployment. 80% of those are now in permanent work and a number have also made decisions to start following Jesus and join the churches that supported them. Josh Cutting – church leader at The Way – and Nikki Williams have been running fortnightly training days for the young adults involved. “We’ve seen friendships formed and young adults become more who they were made to be through this work.” The loving core of the training shines through all they do, as Nikki and Josh engage the young adults as neighbours, encouraging their confidence by creating a safe place to thrive. Growing a support network for each young adult is a key focus of the employment programme. The workshops are designed to provide the opportunity for the young adults to connect with and support each other; they also invite business professionals to visit the group and share their stories.

Wilster – one of the participants – said, “Being part of this has literally changed my life.” Together for Sheffield also runs a mentorship program alongside the work experience and skills training. Giles Holloway – one of the church leaders at Network Church Sheffield – is one of these mentors. He said, “This is a fantastic opportunity and something that the church has some expertise in; helping out youngsters”. Giles continues, “My role as a mentor is to listen to my mentee’s story – his aspirations, what makes him tick – engaging, encouraging and advising him.” Giles’ mentee now works for Network Church Sheffield on a permanent basis. With Government funding now closed for young adult employment projects like this, Together for Sheffield is now partnering with local businesses to fund a programme that draws on the experience and successes of its predecessor. Now called Ascend, the programme continues to provide work experience, mentoring and training to 18–24 year olds at risk of long term unemployment.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUNG ADULTS BECOME WHO THEY WERE MADE TO BE:

• Please pray now for the young adults signing up to the Ascend programme • Put us in touch with any employers you know who could offer a life-changing placement for a young adult

• Become a mentor, giving just one hour a fortnight to support a young adult • Give financially to help fund Ascend to continue supporting young adults in Sheffield into permanent employment

If you’d like to know more about Ascend, or if you’d like to support the programme, please contact Ben Woollard: ben@togetherforsheffield.co.uk