By Sheila Mckenzie-
The United Kingdom is launching the Building Futures program, a £15 million initiative aimed at helping thousands of young people at risk of falling out of education, employment, or training once they leave school.
This vital program will provide 14-to-16-year-olds with comprehensive career mentoring, life skills training, and support for their well-being and mental health.
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The announcement builds on the ‘National Youth Guarantee,’ a government initiative to provide access to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home, and volunteering opportunities for young people aged 11 to 18 in England by 2025.
With an investment exceeding £500 million, the guarantee aims to transform the lives of young people and support their personal growth and development.
The program aims to offer a “guiding hand” to up to 5,000 young individuals who are at risk of not being engaged in education, employment, or training after they reach the age of 18.
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These young people will benefit from one-on-one mentoring, personalized career guidance, and emotional support.
The funding for Building Futures is allocated from the Dormant Assets Scheme, which has unlocked an impressive £892 million to date. The scheme involves tapping into untouched financial products, such as dormant bank accounts, and reallocating the funds to critical social and environmental initiatives in the UK. The Dormant Assets Scheme is led by the financial services industry and supported by the government.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who championed the program, expressed the importance of providing young people with “someone to talk to, something to do, and somewhere to go.”
he program aims to empower young people by giving them access to mentors and role models who can offer valuable guidance during their transition from school.
The Building Futures program is set to contribute to the well-being of young people by enhancing their skills and building their confidence. This support is expected to unlock employment opportunities and facilitate a smoother transition into adulthood.
In addition to Building Futures, the government has unveiled a Summer Jobs Programme for up to 2,600 young individuals at risk of becoming involved in youth violence and crime.
Participants in this program will receive employment placements lasting up to six weeks, improving their job prospects and keeping them engaged in productive activities.
Collaborating with the Youth Endowment Fund and Youth Futures Foundation, the Summer Jobs Programme will focus on high-crime areas. Local authorities and pupil referral units will refer young people to the program, where they will receive mentorship and additional training opportunities.
The government said that in order to further bolster support for young people at risk, it is co-funding at least 100 paid work placements lasting 9 to 12 months through the UK Year of Service.
Funded alongside the NCS Trust, offers 18 to 24-year-olds the opportunity to engage in socially beneficial roles and receive tailored support and mentoring.
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