New Funding Boost for Cornwall’s Disadvantaged Youth: The Launch of Yep!

In a significant development for young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, a new initiative titled Yep! is set to make waves by targeting disadvantaged youths. Managed by CSW Group on behalf of Cornwall Council, this groundbreaking project has been granted a £2 million lifeline from the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, marking a strategic investment in the region’s future.

Aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds, with a particular emphasis on 16-18 year-olds who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), as well as those with special educational needs (SEN) or from other vulnerable groups, Yep! is designed to pave the way for these young individuals towards a brighter, more resilient future. The project, which kicked off in January 2024, is scheduled to run through to the 31st March 2025, offering a comprehensive support system over a critical period.

The initiative will officially be introduced to professionals supporting young people at a Launch Event set for Monday, 26th February, at the Heart and Soul Café, Newquay Orchard. The event, open to all professionals in the field, aims to foster a deeper understanding of the project’s goals and how it plans to tackle the challenges faced by disadvantaged youth in the region.

Yep! stands out for its integrated and collaborative approach, drawing on the strengths of local support systems to instill confidence, resilience, and competence among young people. The project is structured in stages, allowing participants to engage at a point that best matches their needs and distance from the labour market, ensuring tailored support for maximum impact.

An impressive consortium of partners, including Active Plus, Carefree, and the Cornwall Education Business Partnership, among others, underscores the project’s commitment to leveraging local expertise for the benefit of Cornwall’s youth.

Chris Saxby, Managing Director of CSW Group, emphasised the importance of collaboration and local capability in addressing the needs of young people facing social exclusion. Meanwhile, Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek and Councillor Louis Gardner from Cornwall Council highlighted the initiative’s role in providing essential opportunities for skill development and community contribution, in line with the council’s commitment to supporting children, families, and the economic vitality of the region.

This initiative not only represents a crucial step towards addressing youth unemployment and social exclusion in Cornwall but also serves as a model for leveraging government funding to empower local communities.

The Shared Prosperity Fund’s investment in Yep! underscores the UK Government’s dedication to its Levelling Up agenda, aiming to foster pride, improve life chances, and stimulate economic growth across the UK.

For those interested in learning more about the project or seeking to get involved, further information is available through CSW Group’s website or by contacting the group directly. This partnership-driven effort promises to be a beacon of hope and progress for Cornwall’s young population, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.