Yep! the new Youth Engagement Project for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly aimed at disadvantaged young people, has received £2 million from the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Yep!, managed by CSW Group on behalf of Cornwall Council and delivered in partnership with Pluss, will work with young people aged 16 – 24, with a specific focus on 16-18 year-olds who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) or are at risk of NEET, have special educational needs (SEN), or are in other vulnerable groupings.
Launched in January 2024, it will run until 31st March 2025.
This unique integrated and collaborative project aims to exploit the very best of locally available support to build confidence, resilience, and competence within young people in Cornwall as they determine their way in the world after secondary education.
This is a staged project preceded by triaging, against specific agreed guidelines. It enables NEET young people to join the stage of the project that best suits their need according to their judged distance from the labour market. The greater the need/distance the more intensive the support available across the project through our partners:
Pluss, Active Plus, Carefree, Cornwall Education Business partnership, CSW Group, Educational Development Trust, Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, Pentreath Pluss, RJ Working, Real Ideas and Urban Biodiversity (Newquay Orchard).
This extensive partnership will be working collaboratively to give each young person the support needed.
Managing Director of CSW Group, Chris Saxby says “CSW’s purpose is to help build a future where every individual can contribute positively to society and lead a fulfilling life. I am proud to see this fantastic partnership brought together focused on doing just that, in Cornwall. Our partners local capability is second to none nationally, and their commitment to collaboration a beacon for others to follow. This unique UKSPF-funded programme is rightly ambitious for those young people of Cornwall who face social exclusion and has already started in earnest. Cornwall Council are to be congratulated on their drive and support in bringing about this opportunity.”
Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Children and Families, said: “Everyone deserves to start well and live well. Ensuring that our young people are given opportunities to gain confidence and new skills on the road to fulfilling their potential, with all the support that these dedicated and knowledgeable partners can give, is hugely important. Everyone needs a helping hand to realise and fulfil their potential, and we’re here to give it.”
Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Economy, said: “This Shared Prosperity Funding will be put to good use. This is exactly the kind of initiative it is designed for as it will be used to give our young residents the opportunities they need to improve their lives and contribute to levelling up their communities.”
For all enquiries about the project visit Yep! – CSW Group Ltd. or contact CSW Group directly on contact@cswgroup.co.uk or freephone 0800 975 5111.
About 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 by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
CSW Group is a not-for-profit social enterprise. We deliver a range of services locally, regionally, and nationally. We specialise in support to young people, adults and businesses through key transition points. We deliver services that build aspiration and turn this into achievement, unlocking potential, developing individuals and organisations.
