16- to 24-year-olds in Calderdale who are struggling to find work or get into further education are being invited to take part in a free event.
The Grow Your Future event, run by Calderdale Council, is about helping young people to manage their money and find jobs, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities. It takes place on Wednesday 4 November at Orangebox in Halifax from 3pm to 6pm.
The Council knows that many local young people face barriers to employment and education, such as a lack of qualifications or experience; being in debt and not able to afford appropriate clothing or bus fares for interviews; battling addictions; and mental health issues.
The aim of the event is to provide advice to help overcome these barriers. A range of organisations will be there, including Calderdale Council, Calderdale Credit Union, Calderdale College, Citizens Advice Bureau, Department for Work and Pensions, WomenCentre, Noah’s Ark Centre, St Augustine’s Centre, Sick of Being Skint (SOBS), Working Wonders and Talent Match.
Attendees will also be able to get information about apprenticeships offered at the Council and in other organisations.
The event will be especially useful for people in Calderdale who could be affected by recently proposed national plans to review Housing Benefit for 18- to 21-year-olds. The Council has invited over 100 Housing Benefit claimants aged under 21, so they can learn more about the options available to reduce their reliance on the benefits system, and be prepared to face the potential changes in the future.
The Council is committed to providing support and advice on budgeting, debt management, job hunting and training for those seeking work.
Cllr Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council, said:
“We want people in Calderdale to be as financially independent as possible, where they avoid debt and don’t feel trapped in the benefits system or reliant on emergency support. Helping young people into work and education is one of the ways we are working towards this. The Grow Your Future event is a relaxed and informal place where 16- to 24-year-olds can talk to people about the barriers they face and get support to overcome them.”
People attending the event will have the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win a pass for any of Calderdale Council’s sports and leisure facilities.