A new scheme providing targeted specialist support for young people in Cornwall is being launched in Newquay. 

Whitehead-Ross in Bank Street is staging The Youth Engagement Project for 16 to 24-year-olds, which is for those who are care leavers, special educational needs, and social emotional and mental health young people, and those who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET) or at risk of NEET. 

The project is being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Ian Ross, chief executive officer of Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting, said: “Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we are very excited about this new partnership with Cornwall Council which will support 231 young people over the coming year to get back into work, with access to well-being counsellors to support mental health and trained employability officers.”

The scheme will offer:

• Pre-engagement activities to address the needs of young adults who may experience barriers to engagement, including lone parents, looked-after children and care leavers, carers, offenders, those involved in gangs, and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and/or mental health issues for example through sports, outdoor pursuits, and visits to local attractions. 

• Accredited employability skills, workplace literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. 

• Short vocational qualifications linked to local job opportunities and skills gaps, such as the CSCS card for construction. Promotion of enterprise and entrepreneurship, through enterprise project work. 

• Work experience and work tasters. Job coaching and wrap around support including one to one and small group provision. 

• Matrix-accredited Information, advice and guidance. Workshops and out-of-centre activities to develop resilience. 

• Support to develop soft skills to overcome engagement, confidence, motivation and health issues. CBT for mental health, employability, financial wellbeing, and housing by BACP-accredited wellbeing counsellors. 

• For more information visit www.wrecltd.co.uk/our-programmes/#ukspf-youth-engagement-project-newquay