Boxing mentoring and tailored support help young Pendle man find work

A 23 year old man from Pendle has been helped into full-time work, after receiving free boxing mentoring sessions alongside other coaching and support at a youth employment service in Nelson.

Adam Tither was referred to Pendle YES Hub by his work coach in July this year. He had worked before and was keen to get back into employment, but acknowledged that to do so he needed more support with his mental health and confidence.

Adam started attending free gym sessions alongside other physical activities, workshops and courses available through the Hub, with these generating a sense of routine as well as helping him gain new skills and experience for his growing CV.

As part of this, Adam started to attend the Box Champions programme at a new mini boxing gym within Pendle YES Hub’s Nelson town centre base. Earlier this year, Pendle YES Hub staff learned coaching techniques through Empire Fighting Chance, an organisation that uses non-contact boxing and intensive personal support to challenge and inspire young people to realise their potential and teach them transferrable life skills.

With a newfound confidence and support of the Hub, Adam secured full-time work at Woodheads in Colne.
Chelsea Stobbs, Youth Engagement Worker at Pendle YES Hub said, “It’s been amazing to see Adam’s skills and confidence grow, with the Box Champions sessions being very effective in helping him develop a new positive mindset. He is a committed young man who deserves his new role.”

Pendle YES Hub is a project supported by over £420,000 of Government Levelling Up money through the Nelson Town Deal.

It is a one-stop-shop for Pendle’s young people, run managed by Active Lancashire and Positive Action in the Community on behalf of Pendle Council, alongside a range of local partners who provide free courses, social activities, mental health support and more.

The Hub is designed to build the confidence, health and wellbeing of people aged 16 and 24 and to boost their employability through skills training and work experience.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council and Nelson Town Deal board member, said, “Adam has taken full advantage of the support offered through Pendle YES Hub and used all the help and advice to secure himself a job - which is fantastic news!”

Adam said, "Everyone at the YES Hub have helped me so much. I always felt like I had someone to talk to all the time and they have helped me so much with my mental health by offering me many activities to do in my free time."

Stephen Barnes, Chair of the Nelson Town Deal, added, “Getting young people into employment and training is a number one priority for Nelson Town Deal and our local economy.

“Adam is proof that initiatives like Pendle YES Hub really do help young people to overcome barriers when offered the right support. We wish him all the best in his new role.”

Pendle YES Hub is based at 39-41 Scotland Road, Nelson, BB9 7UT and is open Monday to Friday, 9am – 3.30pm.

For more information, visit activelancashire.org.uk/projects/pendleyeshub