Alternative START for young people in Bangor

More than half of the young participants on the Start programme at Alternative’s Bangor site are moving into full or part-time paid employment, while a further 25 per cent are taking up a place on a further education or training course. 

Young father Michael Haden (23), speaking at the celebration event, had been unemployed for 12 months prior to taking part in the Start programme. 

“My confidence and mental health had deteriorated during that year but Start really helped me to re-establish my self-esteem due to the one to one mentoring and group activities,” said Michael.

“I have a sense of purpose in my life to be a better father and to provide a better life for me and my daughter.  I started to apply for jobs and am now working full time as a supervisor in a chip shop.”

Christopher Rea, 17, from Bangor also felt like he had no sense of direction prior to joining the programme. 

“I had a lack of hope with regards to my education and no idea what jobs or careers were out there,” said Christopher.

“I left school with nothing but have gained so much at Start.  I’ve since gained six qualifications, including my Maths and English, and my confidence has definitely grown.  I’ve secured a full-time job and also started to live independently and can’t even begin to explain how this has improved my life opportunities.” 

At North Down Alternatives the young people on Start achieved more than 40 accredited qualifications between them.  Ruth Griffin, Youth Worker for Start at North Down Alternatives, said:

“Many young people who join the programme will have had a negative experience at school or of learning and found themselves struggling with motivation.  We work with the young people to find out their interests in and then map out the next steps together.

“I’m so proud of the achievements of all of the young people who took part in Start, but especially of those who are taking up a new course or have found paid work in a job they enjoy,” said Ruth.

Start is a partnership programme consisting of Include Youth, Northern Ireland Alternatives, Lisburn YMCA, Youth Initiatives and Challenge for Youth.  Out of the 46 young people who engaged in the first phase of the six month employability programme more than one third have secured paid work.

Dearbhla Holohan, Start Programme Coordinator at Include Youth, said:  

“The strength of Start is that we can bring the skills and experience of five organisations together and offer young people the best possible opportunities where they live.”

Start is funded by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL), through the Collaboration and Innovation Fund (CIF) and young people aged 16 to 24 who need education, employment and training can take part through sites in the Lisburn, North Down and Colin areas.

Start is currently recruiting for phase two of the programme, if you would like to find out more email [email protected] or phone Dearbhla Holohan, Start Programme Coordinator at Include Youth, on 028 9031 1007.

ENDS

Media Enquiries:  For more information please contact Sharon Whittaker, Communications Officer at Include Youth on 028 9031 1007 or [email protected]