A new hub to help people under 25 find work in Eden has been launched.
Penrith Youth Hub offers tailored support for young jobseekers and is based in Eden Rural Foyer.
The service, with Youth Employability Coaches from Jobcentre Plus, provides support to help under-25s find work or reskill for alternative careers, and alerting them to available training opportunities in the locality.
The Eden hub will operate from Penrith each Tuesday, 10am to 4pm, and partner organisations based at the Foyer will also be able to offer guidance on wider issues related to unemployment, including budgeting, debt management and housing.
Penrith and the Border MP Neil Hudson attended the launch event.
He said: “It was a real pleasure to attend the physical launch of the Penrith Youth Hub, having also attended the virtual opening at the height of the pandemic.
“It is really exciting to see what is planned for the new Youth Hub in Penrith and great to see it coming to fruition.
“A huge thanks to all the partners and stakeholders who made this project a reality. When a young person is 16-24 it is a vital stage of their development, so the Youth Hub can play a vital role in getting young folk on the job ladder and kick-starting their careers. This is community partnership working at its best to support our young folk moving forward.”
Councillor Phil Dew, chairman of Cumbria County Council’s Eden Local Committee, said: “I fully support the recently opened Youth Hub based at Penrith Rural Foyer.
“This exciting project is providing an innovative new service for jobseekers under the age of 25 in Eden.
“It offers young people the training and help they need to overcome the barriers – such as transport, housing, digital connectivity and mental health – which are currently preventing them from fulfilling their career ambitions.
“The Youth Hub is a place where agencies and partners can work together in a collaborative way – with the welfare of young people very much at heart. I wish the initiative every success.”