Young people from the peer panel at Access Generation CIC have helped develop a programme working in partnership with Leicestershire Cares to provide work experience for care leavers aged 18 to 25.

The Gen @ Work programme has received funding from the government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund.

With unemployment rising, young people often face the brunt of the problem and those who are already disadvantaged are more likely to face challenges getting into work.

Charlotte Robey-Turner, head of children and young people at Leicestershire Cares, said: “We know from our work to date that young care leavers face many barriers to entering the world of work.

“We are pleased to be working with Access Generation to support our young people to develop the network and skills needed to compete in the labour market.”

The Gen @ Work programme will see young care leavers experience a real-world work experience with the social enterprise in a bid to build up their confidence, employability and skills. 

Chris Tarry, founder of Access Generation, said: “We have facilitated many remote internships and work experience placements with young people and have the structures and support in place to make it a meaningful experience for care leavers. 

“We are hoping to get local employers involved and supporting the programme too by providing short projects for our young people to work on.”

If you would like to support the programme please contact Chris Tarry on chris.tarry@accessgeneration.co.uk or phone 0797403301 or Charlotte Robey-Turner on CharlotteRT@leicestershirecares.co.uk.