Young woman receives support from Pendle YES Hub

The Hub, managed by Active Lancashire and Positive Action in the Community on behalf of Pendle Council, offers free support and training to 16–24 year olds to help them gain employment.

Mille Wilson was struggling with social anxiety and low confidence, something which she felt prevented her from finding a career path she enjoyed.

After her dad read about the Hub in a local newspaper, they got in touch to see how it could support Mille.

Mille began to work with Chelsea, a Youth Engagement Worker at Pendle YES Hub, where she identified Mille's barriers to employment and education.

Chelsea began to deliver one-to-one boxing sessions with Mille through the Box Champions Programme, which employs techniques outlined by Empire Fighting Chance, an organisation that uses non-contact boxing and intensive personal support to challenge and inspire young people to realise their potential and teach them transferrable life skills.

The sessions quickly boosted Mille's confidence, enabling her to join group activities and explore career options.

With the help of Lancashire Adult Learning, who deliver regular support sessions at the Hub, Mille has now enrolled on a Cyber Security qualification, and continues to engage in physical activity sessions at Pendle YES Hub.

Chelsea Stobbs, Youth Engagement Worker at Pendle YES Hub, said: “Seeing Mille’s continual growth in confidence and watching her become more at ease within the Hub has been a privilege.

“To me, stories like Mille’s are the most important, as we are supporting the shift within the core of an individual and helping them to develop within a safe space.”

Stephen Barnes, Chair of Nelson Town Deal, added: “Getting young people into employment and training is a number one priority for Nelson Town Deal.

“Mille is proof that initiatives like Pendle YES Hub really do help young people to overcome barriers when offered the right support.”

Through Government Levelling Up Funding, Pendle YES Hub has assisted over 900 young people since its establishment in 2021. It continues to provide free courses, social activities and mental health support for 16–24 year olds at its location in Nelson.

Operating Monday to Friday from 9am to 3.30pm, the Hub offers a safe space for youth development and empowerment.

For more information, visit activelancashire.org.uk/projects/pendleyeshub

News release issued by Active Lancashire