Juliet Martin, is our Resident Community and Engagement Manager at YMCA Leicestershire, and recently I had the chance to interview her on her insights on the transformative Project Flourish initiative. The collaboration between EveryYouth and Hays Recruitment has created an impactful program designed to support young people, especially those in supported accommodation, in accessing employment opportunities.
Holistic Support System
Project Flourish is unique in offering wraparound support for young people. Each of our young people are connected with their own transition coach and benefits from regular stakeholder meetings with the project. This ‘team-based’ approach ensures that everyone involved is aligned in their goals to achieve the best outcomes for the young individual.
Flexible Learning Opportunities
One of the standout features of the program is its learning management system, which offers over 140 short courses. These courses help young people develop essential life and professional skills at their own pace. Topics include budgeting, financial literacy, and job-readiness. Remember, some of our young people have had to miss mainstream schooling, and in many cases have not had an adult figure in their lives to help them with life skills that perhaps we take for granted.
Removing Practical Barriers
The initiative goes beyond training by addressing real-world challenges that might prevent our young people from successfully transitioning into employment. Often there’s a never-ending circle where residents would get an interview but have nothing to wear for the interview; because you need money for that; but you’re not working yet, so where does the money come from? Then if you get the job, in some cases you need to get some basic workwear, and/or a mode of transport to get there and back, but you need to have earned some wages so that you can afford to get them. Frustrating isn’t it?
From purchasing suitable clothes and train tickets to providing lunchboxes and backpacks, the program helps ensure that young people feel confident and prepared.
Real-Life Success Stories
Juliet recounts the story of a young man who, with the help of Project Flourish, started his first job. With the right gear and support, he not only began work successfully but also passed his probation and continues to thrive in his role. She says, “The young people we work with, would rarely get these levels of opportunities and support, and so I don’t know any other project that offers young people in supported accommodation this quality of opportunity.
Collaborative Framework
There also regular ‘Stakeholder meetings’ that serve as a forum for professionals to coordinate efforts and resolve any issues promptly. This level of consistent and continuous communication ensures quality support across the workplace, educational environment, and living space.
Looking Forward
Always the one to push boundaries, Juliet emphasises the importance of expanding this initiative. With many young people eager to participate in similar opportunities, she’s calling on more companies to partner with Project Flourish and invest in the future of youth employment.
Project Flourish exemplifies how targeted, compassionate, and comprehensive support can open doors for vulnerable youth, equipping them with the tools and confidence needed to succeed in today’s job market.
Juliet’s FULL Interview is available here: https://youtu.be/xmOYze6cRJw?si=OpK5Wq-1RWvfT8mh
About Project Flourish : CLICK HERE
The number of young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness is continually rising. Project Flourish was created in collaboration with charity partners, to help disadvantaged young people find and sustain meaningful employment.
