Helping young people find their path in life

So we offer specialist support to help all local 16 to 18 year olds access opportunities to embark on a positive future.

Our post 16 education team is on hand to provide free, confidential support and advice to help young people who need a hand to access education, employment, or training. Every young person deserves the chance to make the most of their life, but for some it can be hard to overcome personal barriers that stand in the way of success. This may be because of mental health conditions, low self confidence, a lack of qualifications, substance misuse issues or difficult family circumstances. Whatever the reason, our specialist team provides dedicated support to help 16 to 18 year olds move forward positively.

John’s story - From rock bottom to a bright future ahead

We received a referral from the MET (Missing, Exploited, Trafficked) team for John who was 16 and had recently moved back to Southampton after a brief spell away for his own safety. John had previously been exploited into selling drugs and stealing. He struggled with substance misuse, poor mental health, and self-harmed. He returned to the local area to live with his grandmother but the pair often argued.

With no qualifications we began to explore options where John could learn and also build confidence and self-esteem. He had a goal of becoming a bricklayer, but needed maths and English qualifications before he could embark on a training course. We supported John to enrol at Southampton City College and receive a bursary; helping with the interview and setting up a network of all health and educational professionals involved to discuss progress or concerns. Despite the occasional issue, John is on course to achieve his qualifications and commence a bricklaying course next year. His homelife has improved and he now has a bright future ahead.

Paige’s story - Building self confidence after dropping out of college

Paige was referred to the team from Southampton City College when she failed to attend lessons. Our engagement officer visited Paige at home to try and find a way forward. She was low on confidence and said she stopped attending college as she didn’t enjoy the course. Paige liked the idea of working in retail and wanted to return to college in the future but was unsure what steps to take next. We helped Paige to write a CV and she was accepted onto a four-week work placement with Marks & Spencer. The experience enabled Paige to develop skills and confidence and at the end she was offered a full-time paid job in the store. She thrived in the role, made new friends, and decided to return to college the following year to study A-Level Business Studies and Creative Media.

Josh’s story - Developing aspirations

Josh, a young person with special educational needs, who struggled with mental health, depression and anxiety, left school with no GCSEs. He was low on confidence and had no aspirations for the future. After a referral from his Youth Worker at No Limits, we looked for a way to engage with Josh and boost his self-esteem. We got him onto the Saints Work programme which soon had a really positive effect on his emotional wellbeing. Through the programme Josh gained skills and confidence and made friends. We helped him write a CV, obtain ID, and he was offered a job at St Mary’s Stadium serving food and drink. Josh began to see a positive future and expressed an interest in an apprenticeship (but knew he needed maths and English qualifications first). With support every step of the way from a variety of agencies, Jack attended college while working part time at the stadium on match days. His mental health greatly improved and he started to feel positive for the future. He is looking forward to embarking on an apprenticeship when he has achieved his college qualifications.

Find out more

If you (or someone you know) is under 18 and would benefit from support to get into education, employment or training, please pop into one of our free, friendly drop-in sessions on Mondays 12-3pm in the Central Library, and on Tuesdays 12.30-3.30pm at Testlands Hub in Green Lane.

If you have a question or would like to arrange an online virtual session just send us an email.