Pendle YES Hub helps man secure employment

 

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

Shaun Kelly was referred to Pendle YES Hub in Nelson in 2022, by his support worker. Shaun wanted to access well-being activities, employability skills and boost his confidence.

Shaun took advantage of some of the free recreational activities and was recommended for a Kickstart Scheme with Pendle Borough Council, where he gained valuable work experience as a Waste Collection Operative, which improved his employability significantly.

Shaun continued to engage with the Hub following his period of work experience and gained employment with Sovereign Group, but was made redundant after six months.

He returned to the Hub to gain more experience and then secured another full-time job.

During his time at the YES Hub, Shaun received well-being and mental health support which helped with his confidence, assertion and personal strengths. 

He attended fishing and gym sessions, with the therapeutic nature of the activities providing Shaun with an outlet to de-stress.

A crucial part of Shaun’s journey to improved well-being and increased confidence was participating in a four-week Bike Club where Shaun learned about bike maintenance and road safety. He also kept a record of his bike journeys, which were submitted for a AQA Level 3 Unit Award in Bike Maintenance.

Shaun said: “The YES Hub provides an excellent service to all of the young people they support, and the staff are extremely friendly – 10 out of 10 I would recommend to any young person. Thanks for the services you've provided.” 

Mehvish Ashraf, a Youth Engagement Worker at the Hub, added: “It was a pleasure to see Shaun engage with all the activities and support available at the Hub. His open-mindedness and enthusiasm to engage has benefited him greatly. Shaun was pro-active and is now reaping the rewards of his efforts and hard work.”

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Nelson Town Deal board member, added: “Getting young people into employment and training is a number one priority for Nelson Town Deal.

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

Pendle YES Hub is based at 39-41 Scotland Road, Nelson, BB9 7UT and is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 3.30pm.

More information about Pendle YES Hub can be found at www.activelancashire.org.uk/projects/pendleyeshub

NEWS RELEASE WRITTEN BY ACTIVE LANCASHIRE