Coventry to host trailblazing USA project to tackle youth violence

Coventry is set to become one of the first in the UK to host a project to tackle youth violence. National youth work charity UK Youth wants the city to trailblaze the scheme.

But in order to do so, it needs businesses and employers in the city to sign up to offer work experience placements as part of its new Summer Jobs Programme.

Based on the successful One Summer Chicago scheme, which has been running in Chicago, USA, for a decade, the scheme is aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 who are at risk of violence.

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It will run through the summer holidays and includes a preparation week, five weeks of paid work experience – funded by the scheme - and wraparound support from a youth worker.

Ndidi Okezie OBE, UK Youth chief executive, explained: "This scheme has been a huge success in Chicago, helping thousands of young people at risk of falling prey to harm build confidence and learn valuable employability skills.

"With the help of local businesses, this is something we believe we can replicate in Coventry. We are looking for employers prepared to welcome, work with, mentor and supervise a young person at risk of falling prey to harm, in a safe and supported way.

"This is an opportunity for organisations to play their part in addressing the needs of local young people and to be a proactive part of the solution. We know that many also see it as their responsibility to contribute to the well-being and development of the youth in their community.

“Businesses are urged to come forward, host a placement and become a trailblazing employer in the first youth employment programme of its kind in the UK! Together we can make a significant impact on the life young people in your local area."

As part of the programme, there is free, expert, external support given throughout the placement. Employers who sign up to the scheme will work with the young person's dedicated youth worker to ensure a successful placement for both the young person and the employer.

For further information on Summer Jobs Programme and how to sign up, visit the website here

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