Accrington Observer

Training group unites charities on youth mission

- STUART PIKE stuart.pike@menmedia.co.uk @stuartpike­78

AN education provider with two sites in Accrington is calling a meeting of charities in Hyndburn to help get 16-18 year olds into education, training and work, and give them a prosperous future following the pandemic.

Many 16-18 year olds missed out on educationa­l possibilit­ies due to the Covid-19 restrictio­ns.

They might wish to start an apprentice­ship, or may not be ready for the workplace. North Lancs Training

Group (NLTG) supports students with any training to catch up with their education if required, and help them to progress on to apprentice­ships, education, or the workplace.

The meeting, supported by Maundy Relief, is designed to ensure that any vulnerable families who are known to the local charities can be supplied with informatio­n about the free courses, to help them help their teenagers into the world of work. It will include a round table discussion on how to reach young people who are otherwise NEET (not in education, employment or training).

Gareth Lindsay, managing director of NLTG, said: “We want to work together with our charity sector partners to make sure that everyone in Hyndburn is given a fair chance in life.

“People may have a lack of confidence, the fear that they won’t be able to succeed, or a lack of engagement at school previously.

“We want them to know that we’re here to give them all the support they need and that they can succeed.”

Julie Hesmondhal­gh, Maundy Relief patron said: “Maundy Relief are delighted to support this initiative, and anything that helps get our young people into work is a great thing. We must encourage this generation and ensure people in Hyndburn aren’t left behind.”

If you are a charity supporting vulnerable families in Hyndburn, please contact NLTG urgently on info@nltg.co.uk to be included. The meeting is on Monday, September 6, from 12noon to 2pm at NLTG’s Old Bakery site.

Separately, NLTG is also to sponsor a brand-new classroom at Accrington Stanley Community Trust’s £2m sports hub.

In 2020/21 the Trust engaged with more than 20,000 individual­s.

This included offering free blood pressure checks, organising literacy programmes for primary school children, adult education, and sporting activities for the entire community. In addition to this they offer a two-year Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Developmen­t.

 ??  ?? North Lancs Training Group managing director Gareth Lindsay and (inset) Julie Hesmondhal­gh, Maundy Relief patron
North Lancs Training Group managing director Gareth Lindsay and (inset) Julie Hesmondhal­gh, Maundy Relief patron

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom