Lewisham Council launches new free mentoring programme to help young people into work and further training

The free programme will provide one to one tailored support and confidence building through expert advice, mentoring, and training, to address barriers to work – whether that is a skills gap, poor mental health or lack of confidence. The project aims to support groups facing significant disadvantage, such as those from Black, Ethnic, and Minority Ethic (BAME) and economically deprived backgrounds, and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Council ‘s adult education service has teamed up with Youth First, Lewisham Works, voluntary organisations, and local employers to provide young residents with pathways into a wide range of jobs, training, apprenticeships, and volunteering opportunities in rapidly growing sectors – from digital skills and technology to green skills, construction, and hospitality.

Cllr Kim Powell, Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs, and Skills said: ‘There has been a persistent rise in unemployment rates among 16–24-year-olds, which remains above pre-pandemic levels.

‘We recognise that many young people feel excluded from the job market, with the proportion of young people who feel this way rising among those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

'The Jumpstart to Success programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people living in Lewisham. Through partnership working and targeted interventions the programme will provide holistic support to young people enabling them to achieve their personal goals and aspirations’.

Young people can find out more about the Jumpstart to Success programme by dropping in to one of the upcoming open days on Wednesday 10 October at Bellingham Gateway Youth Centre between 12-4pm, and Wednesday 17 October at the Woodpecker Youth Club between 12-4pm.

For further details about the open days email adultlearningiag@lewisham.gov.uk or call 020 8314 9161, Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm.

Read more information about the Jumpstart to Success programme.

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

Find more information about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.