Leeds partnership awarded £330k to help 600 unemployed young people into health and care careers

Healthier Working Futures Leeds is a new partnership of health, care, and third sector organisations, which has received over £330k from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

Healthier Working Futures plans to engage over 600 young adults aged 16-25 who are currently unemployed or economically inactive, particularly those who face multiple and diverse barriers to employment.

The project is hosted by the Leeds Health and Care Academy, an “innovative collaboration” of Leeds health, care, and university partners who design and deliver transformative learning and development opportunities for all health and care staff across the city.

As well as the engagement activities delivered by third sector organisations, programme delivery partners East Leeds Project will be using ‘KIOSK’, their mobile, modular unit, as a pop-up venue across the city.

It will provide a range of hands-on creative sessions, led by professional Leeds based artists, designed to engage young adults and help them find out more about the wider opportunities available in the health and care sector through creativity and art.

Kate O’Connell, director of Leeds Health and Care Academy, says: “We are incredibly proud to have been successful in our UK Community Renewal Fund application.

“The funding will allow us to meet, engage and inspire young people in Leeds, demonstrating how rewarding a career in health and care can be, and explaining just how many different opportunities are available.

“We cannot wait to work with our team of third sector partners, speak with our future workforce, and provide opportunities and advice for those that may not have been able to access it otherwise. The Healthier Working Futures project is going to result in real, positive change for members of our community, and for health and care in our city.”

Healthier Working Futures will run until the end of June 2022, but support will continue to be provided after this date.