European Social Fund (ESF) case study - Include Youth Give and Take 2
Give and Take, delivered by Include Youth, aims to improve the employability skills and self-esteem of young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), who face complex barriers to engagement and who come from communities of greatest disadvantage. The project is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.
Participant's story
This participant joined Give and Take: Start at a time when he would have said he had very little self-confidence and self-belief. He wanted to consider future options for his career, as well as work on his confidence.
His Youth Worker says,
“Upon completing his programme, I would say that the young man who first entered the office is unrecognisable from the young man completing the course. I have had the privilege to watch him grow in confidence over the last 2 months and watch him encourage, and in part, mentor newer young people on the programme.”
Securing full time employment
Following some successful interview preparation, he has now secured full time employment. He also hopes to volunteer at local youth work projects and is very keen to pursue qualifications and a future in youth work.
The participant says, “I’ve not just come on to Give and Take: Start to gain skills, but to make new friends and increase my confidence. Since I initially joined the programme I have a lot more self-confidence and feel more competent and confident in speaking with people.”
When asked for a reason to recommend Give and Take: Start to other young people, he said “If anyone out there struggles with confidence and self-esteem, I recommend joining Start, as you will definitely notice a difference in these areas. The way we learn and get to know each other is not like school, it’s so much easier and laid back. We are learning without knowing we are learning!”