Havant Borough Council has been awarded more than £91,000 of funding from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to extend Havant’s Link Up Youth Hub service from August 2024 until July 2025.
The Link Up Youth Hub, based in the Front Lawn Community Hub, supports 16 - 24-year-olds across the borough to access employment, education, and training opportunities. It also works with businesses to match young people ready to work into positions across the local area, supporting recruitment drives and skills shortage areas.
In two years of partnership with DWP, the Youth Hub has supported a total of 460 young people, with more than 240 gaining paid employment and the remainder attending training or re-entering education.
In its third year, the Youth Hub will focus on personal development and wellbeing through Empower You - a 12-week programme which will enable individuals to understand and utilise their skills and values. Work will continue with local training providers, organisations and businesses to provide a holistic service for residents.
Councillor Gillian Harris, Cabinet Lead for Regeneration and Communities, says: “It is wonderful that the Youth Hub has been able to support 460 young people across the borough over the past two years.
"I am pleased the Youth Hub's service has been extended so young people can continue to gain valuable skills and access to employment, education and training.”
If you would like to refer a young person, or you are 16 - 24 and looking for work, visit linkupyouthhub.co.uk