Alongside launches support service to help young people find work
Bath-based charity Alongside, formerly Julian House, has launched a new programme targeting young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
The Future Ready service will offer young people one-to-one support to build confidence, develop employability skills and access opportunities for volunteering, education, training or work experience which could help them secure a job.
The programme will support young people from within Alongside’s existing services, including people who are experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic abuse or living off grid as part of Travelling communities.
It will also be open to all 18–21-year-olds living across the Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) area. Any young person who is NEET can be referred, or refer themselves, to the programme and benefit from free support to help them secure work.
Youth Support Fund
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, led by Mayor Helen Godwin, has launched the Mayor’s Youth Support Fund. Over three years, this will provide £2 million in funding for VCSE organisations to support more than 1,000 young people aged 18 to 21 who are not in education, employment or training.
Delivered in partnership with Alongside, this initiative is funded by the UK government for 2026-2027 and forms part of the national Get Britain Working strategy.
Helen Bedser, Chief Executive of Alongside, said, “We are pleased to be able to offer this new service to young people in B&NES. Unemployment is a common experience for our clients, and they can struggle to access opportunities which could help them get into work and regain independence.
“Sadly, this is becoming the norm for young people from all walks of life. We want every young person who needs support to have the chance to grow and gain the purpose and security that education, training or employment can provide.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said, “The work charities like Alongside are doing through Future Ready is vital to help young people who want to continue their education, training, or start work.
“We need to be helping far more young people to take their next steps, including in B&NES, which is why I am committed to the West of England becoming the first NEET Zero region in the country.
“Partnerships like this can prevent young people in our region falling through the gaps and our investment in them will give more people the opportunities they need to thrive.”
Future Ready is open to referrals now.
You can find out more and register your interest in getting support on Alongside’s website: alongsidecharity.org.uk/future-ready
