Brand new Rochdale youth hub aims to help young people unlock their potential

A brand new youth hub has launched in Rochdale to help young people across the borough unlock their potential.

The scheme, a joint venture between the government’s department for work and pensions and local authorities, is aimed at 18-24 year olds and offers them a range of services, including access to highly skilled career counsellors to help people access the most appropriate training or employment opportunities.

It’s also offering help to overcome issues with could be stopping them getting into work, such as problems with housing, benefits, debt and issues with their mental health and wellbeing, and support from specialist mentors, including business mentors, life coaches and job centre plus youth employability coaches.

And the scheme, which has already supported 315 young people across the borough, has now opened an in-person service at Rochdale Training, so anyone wanting to access the service can get help face to face, as well as online or over the phone.

The scheme is designed to help young people across the borough, including the 2000 18-24 year olds who are on universal credit, and it doesn’t cost any money to access the support.

The help available also includes links to apprenticeship and training opportunities, support for those who are considering self-employment and help to search for jobs and achieve success at interview stage.

“With a nationally recognised apprenticeship scheme, and around 40 young people already employed with the council as part of the national kickstart scheme, we’re working hard to make sure no young person is left behind,” said Councillor John Blundell.

“This is particularly vital as we emerge from the pandemic.

“It’s important that young people know that this scheme is open to everybody within the age group, completely free of charge and regardless of background and experience.

“Our team can help anybody from a university graduate who is unsure about next steps to somebody who wants to come off universal credit and get their first job.

“It’s a very tailored one to one approach we offer, so nobody will be turned away.

“I’d urge anybody who wants a change and isn’t sure of next steps, to get in touch with the youth hub today.”

Grace Ebie, 20, is currently getting support through the youth hub.

Grace is a single parent to son Kairo, 13 months, and is looking to get back into work after being a full time mum.

“Now Kairo is 13 months, I’m keen to get back into work,” she said.

“Before I had him, I worked in hospitality, but now I’d like to get into a career in childcare.

“I really like coming here because it’s an informal environment. The staff are really friendly and you feel relaxed and at ease.

“They have identified a few issues with my confidence because I’ve been out of the workplace for a while, so they’re supporting me with application forms and mock interviews.”

Face to face appointments for the youth hub are available at Rochdale Training in Fishwick Street, but they need to be booked in advance, although the team will be launching a drop in service soon.

The youth hub can accessed by calling 01706 646471 or emailing [email protected]. People can also get in touch by messaging the Get Rochdale Working facebook group at: facebook.com/groups/GetRochdaleWorking.