Young people from Lisburn YMCA rock the boat

More than a third of the young participants involved with Start at the Lisburn site have since secured paid full-time or part-time work and a further six have moved into further education, training or voluntary work.

Kayleigh-Anne Clark (23), a young mother from Lisburn, achieved 100 per cent attendance during her time on Start and as she gets ready to move on has aspirations to become a youth worker.

“When I discovered Start provided childcare I felt like I was being given a second chance to gain qualifications and make up for the opportunities I’d missed out on previously.  I didn’t want to be unemployed for the rest of my life,” said Kayleigh-Anne.

“When I started the programme I made a promise to myself that I would try my hardest and gain as much from it as I possibly could no matter what happened.  I was given employability training, including things like making a CV, doing mock interviews and using any criticism to improve my performance the next time.  I’ve definitely become so much more confident.

“I was able to gain 17 qualifications because they encourage us to learn while having fun. I’ve successfully gained a place on an apprenticeship peace programme offered through Youth Link and also volunteer with Lisburn YMCA to help build up some work experience.  After I complete the apprenticeship I plan to gain paid work in the youth sector, continually just keep building up my skills and hopefully create a good life for my daughter.”

At the Lisburn YMCA the young people achieved more than 60 qualifications between them.  Fiona McCormick, Youth Worker for START at Lisburn YMCA, said:

“Kayleigh is a determined and motivated young woman who has completely grasped every opportunity offered to her.  She was also a massive support to other young people on the programme.

“They’ve all really had to challenge themselves over the last six months and create new aspirations for their future.   We’ve provided them with a structure that for some gives them a reason to get out of bed in the morning.  We’ve fully embraced mutual respect and always try to provide a learning environment that they can enjoy.  From sitting down and eating toast together in the morning, to preparing, cooking and cleaning up after lunch each part of the day provides a different opportunity to learn new skills.  I’m so proud to see so many of them leaving us having had a positive experience of the programme but also a positive next step to look forward to in their lives.”

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 start@includeyouth.org 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 sharon@includeyouth.org