More than 1,350 young people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have been supported through the Employability and Enterprise Programme during its first two years, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and improve their wellbeing.
Delivered in partnership by Community Resource, All About Youth and Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation, and funded by the Lintel Trust, the programme provides personalised support to young people aged 14 to 30, helping them overcome barriers and take positive steps towards volunteering, education, training, employment and entrepreneurship.
Since launching in 2024, the programme has engaged 1,353 young people through a combination of youth work, skills development, volunteering, wellbeing support and leadership opportunities. Many participants faced challenges including low confidence, poor mental health, social isolation, limited work experience and disrupted education.
Delivery of the programme has demonstrated the value of community-based support, strong partnerships and meaningful opportunities. Young people supported through the programme reported increased confidence, improved wellbeing, stronger relationships and clearer aspirations for the future.
Over the first two years of delivery, 359 young people progressed into employment, education, entrepreneurship or further training, highlighting the programme's success in helping young people move closer to their goals.
The programme brings together the strengths of three organisations. Community Resource provides volunteering, wellbeing and enterprise support; Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation helps young people develop confidence, leadership skills and coaching experience through its Game Changers Programme; and All About Youth delivers specialist youth work, mentoring, skills development and interfaith social activities for young people across Telford and Wrekin.
Michael's story
For Community Resource, the second year of delivery has seen more than 100 young people engage with the programme, with 61 young people receiving personalised support through volunteering, wellbeing and enterprise activities.
One of those young people is Michael.
After being referred by his Jobcentre work coach, Michael joined the programme at a difficult point in his life. Following the loss of a close relative, he was struggling with his mental health, confidence and sense of direction. Initially attending appointments alongside his mother, Michael found it difficult to communicate how he was feeling and lacked confidence to engage independently.
Working closely with Michael, the team identified a volunteering opportunity at Fordhall Farm that matched both his interests and support needs.
Six months later, Michael volunteers every week and says the experience has helped him to:
"change atmospheres and do something different, push yourself."
He added:
"I've learnt new skills, learning the ropes and learning how to work as part of a team."
Michael says volunteering has improved his confidence, given him a more positive outlook and helped him worry less.
His mother described the impact as transformational:
"It has been the making of Michael.”
“The number one thing is that he's made friends, and he talks about the farm when he gets home, which he only does when he really enjoys something."
Supporting wellbeing
A major achievement during the programme's second year has been the introduction of a dedicated wellness service, helping ensure young people can access mental health and wellbeing support when they need it.
A BACP compliant counselling service is now available through the programme, providing early support where young people might otherwise face long waiting times for help.
Since referrals opened in January, 13 young people have engaged with the service, accessing flexible one-to-one support sessions designed to improve emotional wellbeing and resilience.
One young person said:
"I didn't realise that I needed to talk to anyone but now I have been referred and have spoken to Sarah on a couple of occasions. I realised that it is really helping me."
Creating opportunities across Shropshire
The programme has continued to create opportunities for young people by working closely with local organisations, businesses and community groups.
During the year:
- 23 new organisations joined the programme
- 143 new volunteering opportunities were created
- 786 volunteering roles were available across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
These opportunities span health and wellbeing, outdoor conservation, retail, heritage, education, administration, creative industries and community support.
Volunteering remains a powerful driver of change, helping young people develop confidence, gain experience and strengthen social connections within their communities.
Across the partnership, 121 young people have engaged in volunteering opportunities during the first two years of the programme, with 62 progressing into sustained long-term volunteer roles. These opportunities provide valuable experience, help young people build confidence and develop workplace skills, while also strengthening local communities.
Supporting future entrepreneurs
To further support young people to achieve their ambitions, Community Resource has launched a new Business Start-Up Programme for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 who are currently not in work or education.
The fully funded programme offers workshops, one-to-one mentoring and practical guidance covering:
- business planning
- marketing essentials
- finance and budgeting
- legal essentials
- accessing funding and grants
The programme is designed to help young people develop the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Looking ahead
Kim Thompson-Lawrence, Employability and Enterprise Programme Team Lead, said:
"We've seen first-hand the difference that personalised support can make. Whether it's helping a young person gain confidence through volunteering, access wellbeing support or take the first steps towards starting a business, the programme is helping young people recognise their strengths and realise their potential.
"We're incredibly proud of what has been achieved during the second year of delivery and grateful for the continued support of the Lintel Trust, which has made these opportunities possible. We look forward to building on that success, creating even more opportunities for young people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to develop their skills, confidence and aspirations for the future."
Anyone aged 14 to 30 living in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin who would like support with volunteering, wellbeing, employability skills or starting their own business is encouraged to get in touch and find out more about the Employability and Enterprise Programme.
For more information, visit:
https://community-resource.org.uk/employability-and-enterprise-programme/
Call: 01743 360641
Email:
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