YES Hub plays pivotal role in helping young man pursue his future goals

 

The Youth Employment Support Service is run by Active Lancashire in partnership with Pendle Borough Council, Positive Action in the Community (PAC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

It is open Monday to Friday at its base in Nelson and welcomes anyone aged 16 - 24 living in Pendle and the surrounding areas. All activities and support services are free of charge and designed to be inclusive and accessible for all abilities.

Cody Pearson was seeking employment support but faced several barriers. Having moved to Pendle a few years earlier, he spent much of his time at home feeling isolated and lacking the confidence needed to take positive steps forward.

To help him overcome these challenges, staff at the YES Hub worked with Cody to develop a tailored support plan that would not only prepare him for work, but also help him to rebuild confidence and reconnect with his community.

This included a blend of physical activities, social opportunities, skills development and practical experiences. The aim was to gradually encourage Cody to step outside of his comfort zone, whilst equipping him with the tools and mindset needed to progress.

Cody began his journey by attending gym sessions in Pendle, which helped him to establish a healthier routine, improve his physical wellbeing and gain confidence in a structured environment.

He then joined Walk Wednesday - a weekly walking group which gave him the chance to meet new people in a relaxed and welcoming setting. These first steps were crucial in helping him feel more comfortable around others and begin building friendships.

From there, Cody started taking part in a wider variety of activities that pushed him further outside of his comfort zone, including weekly badminton sessions and fishing at Cornfield Fisheries. Both of these activities allowed Cody to socialise with fellow participants and boost his skillset.

Alongside these recreational and confidence-building activities, Cody also focused on his personal development and employability, successfully completing his Level 1 Health and Safety qualification.

In addition, he took part in a three-week BAE Systems Business Course in Preston, which included both classroom-based training and a one-week work placement with the Data Analytics Team.

Cody also engaged in a voluntary scheme, supported by the DWP, that connects unemployed young people with structured work placements offered by major employers to build skills, confidence and pathways into employment or further training.

Dave Marshall, Project Lead at Pendle YES Hub, said: “Through all these activities and opportunities, Cody has made remarkable progress. He has gained confidence, built new friendships and established a stronger sense of belonging in his community.

“He has developed practical and transferable skills through both recreational learning and structured training, and he now has valuable work experience and a recognised qualification to support his career aspirations.

“Most importantly, Cody has transitioned from feeling isolated and disengaged to becoming motivated, positive and work-ready.”

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Pendle Borough Council, added: “Cody’s journey highlights the importance of combining social, physical and professional development opportunities when supporting individuals who face barriers to employment.

“By engaging in a wide range of activities, he has been able to rebuild his confidence and discover his potential. He now feels prepared and motivated to take his next steps into work, with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.”

To find out more or to access support, please email news@activelancashire.org.uk.

NEWS RELEASE WRITTEN BY ACTIVE LANCASHIRE