Targeted funding helps Camden’s young people access work and training

Good Work Camden and Greater Change charity have provided £200,000 of funding to support young people in Camden into training and employment. 

The money, split equally between the council employment service and the charity, covers things like laptops, tech, clothing, travel and training courses. 

Each grant is tailored to the individual’s needs. 

So far, 29 young people have received support worth £47,585, with an average grant of £1,680.

Young people are referred by advisors in job hubs and children’s services, including those working with care leavers, young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and those with experience of the youth justice system. 

The pilot is part of the council’s youth mission, which aims to give every Camden young person access to economic opportunities.

Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture at Camden Council, said: “We established the Youth Mission to address the inequality in young people accessing education, training and career opportunities – we know this disproportionately affects young people with experience of the youth justice system, or the care system, or who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

“In partnership with Greater Change, our work is breaking down the barriers between Camden’s young residents and their aspirations, and it’s inspiring to hear it’s having such a tremendous impact on their confidence and wellbeing.”

Jonathan Tan, co-founder and chief executive of Greater Change, said: “Our objective at Greater Change has always been to give clients the dignity of choice, supporting them to express their aspirations and ambitions, and knocking down the financial barriers in their path. 

“This can only ever be possible with partners who are aligned with our principles of having a truly person-centred approach; who ask people what it is that they actually want and need. 

“We are so excited to be working with the team at Good Work Camden, to deliver this progressive and empowering vision.”