Pendle-Based Youth Service Provides Mental Health Support to Local Teen

Pendle-Based Youth Service Provides Mental Health Support to Local Teen

Pendle YES Hub, a youth employment service ran by Active Lancashire and Positive Action in the Community (PAC) on behalf of Pendle Council, has provided support to a young woman needing support with her mental health. Having recently completed a diploma in Travel and Tourism, Kayleigh Murren, was struggling to find employment which was inclusive to her needs, and began to suffer from poor mental health as a result. Pendle’s Community Prevention and Engagement team referred Kayleigh to Pendle YES Hub, which offers bespoke provision for young people who may need support with mental wellbeing, as well as barriers to employment. Here, Kayleigh was introduced to mental health services provided by Lancashire MIND. Working with support mentor Colin Whittaker, Kayleigh was able to complete a six week wellbeing course that helped to tackle her anxiety through a mixture of talking therapies and physical activity. Participating in activities like badminton, walking, and cycling not only boosted Kayleigh’s confidence but also introduced her to peers facing similar barriers. Kayleigh was also able to access provision specifically for those with low confidence, such as a drama programme delivered by Burnley Youth Theatre. Through attending these sessions, Kayleigh felt that she was able to find an environment which accommodated and supported her needs, stating that, “Pendle YES Hub has helped improve my confidence and has enabled me to meet people with similar experiences to me. Taking part in activities at the Hub has really improved my mental health, with the structure of regular sessions also helping my autism.” With her mental wellbeing improving, Kayleigh felt ready to begin considering employment. Working with Pendle YES Hub’s Youth Engagement Worker Shunem, she was able to access qualifications and courses such as Basic Lifesaving Skills and Workplace First Aid in the hopes to enhance her CV. Now, Kayleigh is working with Shunem to enhance her confidence and interview skills using the in-house employment support provided by Pendle YES Hub, and is set to begin an 8-week course with Pendle House which is designed to support those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are seeking employment. Stephen Barnes, Chair of Nelson Town Deal added: “Getting young people aged 16 – 24 into employment and training is a number one priority for the Nelson Town Deal and our local economy. “It is heartening to hear Kayleigh’s story and know that the project is helping her grow in confidence and skills.” Thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Pendle YES Hub is able to provide targeted provision for 16-24 year olds who are struggling to find employment, or would like support with mental or physical wellbeing. Pendle YES Hub is based at 39-41 Scotland Road, Nelson, BB9 7UT and is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 3.30pm. For more information, visit https://www.activelancashire.org.uk/projects/pendleyeshub

Rossendale Works empowers local resident to secure meaningful employment

Rossendale Works empowers local resident to secure meaningful employment

Rossendale Works, a partnership between Rossendale Borough Council, Active Lancashire, and the DWP, has announced another success story for local resident Aidan Lees, a 24-year-old from Rawtenstall. Through its tailored employment support programme, Rossendale Works has enabled Aidan to secure a Corporate Support Administrator Assistant role at Rossendale Borough Council, marking a significant milestone in his career journey.

Aidan approached the Council looking for work placement opportunities following his college studies. Recognising his potential, Rossendale Borough Council referred him to Rossendale Works for additional support. With the guidance and assistance provided by Rossendale Works, Aiden underwent pre-employment training courses, improved his CV, and participated in physical activities like boxing for general wellbeing.

Following his work placement and college studies, Aidan was matched with a suitable full-time role as a Corporate Support Administrator Assistant at the Council. Aidan’s willingness and engagement throughout the process exemplify the success of collaborative efforts between Rossendale Works and local employers.

Aidan said: “ I’m really grateful for the help and support I got from Rossendale Works in helping me secure full-time employment with the Council. I’d encourage anyone who may be struggling to find work to get in touch with them, they have so much to offer, and everyone is really friendly and approachable.”

Django Back, a Project Officer at Rossendale Works, said: “Aidan’s success story is a great example of what Rossendale Works is all about – empowering individuals to achieve their career goals and build a brighter future.

“Through tailored employment support and proactive collaboration with local partners like Rossendale Borough Council, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals like Aiden Lees.”

Rossendale Works has a proven track record of securing meaningful employment opportunities for participants within the community, helping over 400 people into employment over the last six years. Aidan’s journey serves as a testament to the effectiveness of Rossendale Works’ approach in providing individuals with the support and resources needed to thrive in the workforce.

The initiative, already a recipient of various awards including SELNET Enterprise in Society Awards, has this year been shortlisted in the national Local Government Awards for its outstanding work.

For more information about Rossendale Works and its range of tailored employment support programs, contact PBecouarn@ActiveLancashire.org.uk

Brunshaw Primary School Receive Free Recycled Bikes To Support Bikeability Sessions

Brunshaw Primary School Receive Free Recycled Bikes To Support Bikeability Sessions

A community-led bike refurbishment shop has donated cycles and helmets to Brunshaw Primary School in Burnley to help their pupils learn to ride safely.

Active Cycles is a community hub in Accrington delivered by the charity Active Lancashire, which works with a number of partners to collect and refurbish bicycles to prevent them from ending up in landfills.

In total, Active Cycles donated seven bicycles, six helmets, and six bike vouchers to Brunshaw Primary School, to help all students access bikeability learning sessions even if they do not have their own bikes.

Kevin Kay, PE Coordinator at the school, said, “We are grateful for these donations from Active Cycles. This will greatly benefit students who may not otherwise have access to a bike, providing all students with the opportunity to learn how to safely take part in cycling as a healthy and fun outdoor activity. This initiative aligns with our school’s commitment to promoting physical fitness and wellbeing amongst all of our students.”

In addition to the donation, Active Cycles is set to open a temporary pop-up bike shop in Burnley at the Charter Walk shopping centre in partnership with Burnley Leisure and Culture. For seven weeks, their recycled bikes will be available to purchase from just £25 for a child’s bike, further supporting the accessibility and affordability of cycling locally.

Michelle Grimes, Project Lead at Active Cycles, emphasized the importance of ensuring accessibility to bikes for all children. “At Active Cycles, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy of cycling. Through our partnership with Brunshaw Primary School and the low cost bikes that will soon be available at our Burnley shop, we aim to make cycling accessible to all young people in the area, including those from families who may face financial barriers.”

Recently, Active Cycles ran a successful crowdfunding campaign, raising a total of £39,421 to implement several initiatives for the benefit of people in Lancashire, including led-rides and maintenance workshops from their main shop in Accrington. The project was also the winner of the Green Award at the most recent BBC Lancashire Make a Difference Awards.

Mayor of Pendle visits Pendle YES Hub

Mayor of Pendle visits Pendle YES Hub

The Mayor of Pendle has visited Pendle YES Hub to observe the vital services it provides to young people in Pendle.
During his visit, Councillor Brian Newman spoke with staff and participants, as well as its partner organisations, to understand the impact the Hub’s support has on young people in Pendle.
He also took part in some of the activities, including Box Champions – a non-contact mentoring session that aims to provide young people with increased confidence and resilience through boxing.
The Mayor also received a guitar lesson from one of the Hub’s participants, Aaron, who began to deliver weekly music sessions at the Hub after staff supported him in accessing a teaching assistant training qualification.
Councillor Newman said: “Our visit showcased this excellent employability and wellbeing service for 16 – 24 year olds here in Pendle.

“I enjoyed speaking to everyone, including Dave Marshall, the successful Project Lead, the Active Lancashire staff, the Job Centre work coaches and the young people themselves.”

The Mayor’s Secretary, Fiona Standring, echoed The Mayor’s praise: “The Mayor’s visit was a brilliant opportunity for us to see the huge range of important services provided by the very dedicated staff at Pendle YES Hub to young people in Pendle.”

Dave Marshall, Project Lead at Pendle YES Hub, added: “It was fantastic to welcome The Mayor to showcase the fantastic opportunities on offer for young people within the local area.
“Receiving such kind praise from him not only affirmed the hard work which staff at Pendle YES Hub do, but it provided our participants with a sense of pride for their continued efforts and dedication to growing their skills, confidence and employability.”
Launched in 2021, Pendle YES Hub was set up to support young people aged 16-24 years old who are not in education, employment or training, by boosting their employability through skills training and work experience.
Since it began, it has supported over 900 young people within the Pendle area.
Run by Active Lancashire and Positive Action in the Community on behalf of Pendle Council, the Hub is supported by over £420,000 of Government Levelling Up funding provided by the Nelson Town Deal.
Pendle YES Hub is based at 39-41 Scotland Road, Nelson, BB9 7UT and is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 3.30pm.

5
Based on 8 reviews
  • Still a great place with hard working staff to get the inactive active.

    Kristy Telford Avatar Kristy Telford
    June 11, 2024

    Excellent

    James Rasmussen Avatar James Rasmussen
    June 11, 2022

    Great people willing to engage sport for all

    Marcus Baudet Avatar Marcus Baudet
    June 11, 2017
  • Great place

    Tamasin Lamb Avatar Tamasin Lamb
    June 11, 2019

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