Greenwich employers urged to tackle youth violence with summer jobs scheme

Employers in Greenwich are being urged to do their bit to tackle youth violence by signing up to a summer jobs scheme.

National youth work charity, UK Youth, is looking for companies to offer work experience placements as part of its new Summer Jobs Programme.

Based on the One Summer Chicago scheme, which has been running in Chicago, US, for a decade, the new programme is aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 years old who are at risk of violence.

The programme is run during the summer holidays and includes a preparation week, five weeks of paid work experience – funded by the scheme – and wraparound support from a youth worker.

Ndidi Okezie, UK Youth chief executive, said: “This scheme has been a huge success in Chicago, helping thousands of young people at risk of falling prey to harm build confidence and learn valuable employability skills.

“With the help of local businesses, this is something we believe we can replicate in Greenwich.

“We are looking for employers prepared to welcome, work with, mentor and supervise a young person at risk of falling prey to harm, in a safe and supported way.

“Together we can make a significant impact on the lives of young people in your local area.”

The Summer Jobs Programme is part of a large research project to learn better ways to support young people at risk of violence The project is funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Youth Futures Fund.

If the first year is successful, it is hoped the programme could be expanded in years two and three.

For further information and to sign up, see inclusiveboards.co.uk/summerjobs

Pictured top: Ndidi Okezie OBE, UK Youth chief executive Picture: UK Youth