Pendle YES Hub, a youth employment service ran by Active Lancashire and Positive Action in the Community (PAC) on behalf of Pendle Council, has provided support to a young woman needing support with her mental health.
Having recently completed a diploma in Travel and Tourism, Kayleigh Murren, was struggling to find employment which was inclusive to her needs, and began to suffer from poor mental health as a result.
Pendle’s Community Prevention and Engagement team referred Kayleigh to Pendle YES Hub, which offers bespoke provision for young people who may need support with mental wellbeing, as well as barriers to employment. Here, Kayleigh was introduced to mental health services provided by Lancashire MIND. Working with support mentor Colin Whittaker, Kayleigh was able to complete a six week wellbeing course that helped to tackle her anxiety through a mixture of talking therapies and physical activity.
Participating in activities like badminton, walking, and cycling not only boosted Kayleigh’s confidence but also introduced her to peers facing similar barriers. Kayleigh was also able to access provision specifically for those with low confidence, such as a drama programme delivered by Burnley Youth Theatre.
Through attending these sessions, Kayleigh felt that she was able to find an environment which accommodated and supported her needs, stating that, “Pendle YES Hub has helped improve my confidence and has enabled me to meet people with similar experiences to me. Taking part in activities at the Hub has really improved my mental health, with the structure of regular sessions also helping my autism.”
With her mental wellbeing improving, Kayleigh felt ready to begin considering employment. Working with Pendle YES Hub’s Youth Engagement Worker Shunem, she was able to access qualifications and courses such as Basic Lifesaving Skills and Workplace First Aid in the hopes to enhance her CV.
Now, Kayleigh is working with Shunem to enhance her confidence and interview skills using the in-house employment support provided by Pendle YES Hub, and is set to begin an 8-week course with Pendle House which is designed to support those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are seeking employment.
Stephen Barnes, Chair of Nelson Town Deal added: “Getting young people aged 16 - 24 into employment and training is a number one priority for the Nelson Town Deal and our local economy.
“It is heartening to hear Kayleigh’s story and know that the project is helping her grow in confidence and skills.”
Thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Pendle YES Hub is able to provide targeted provision for 16-24 year olds who are struggling to find employment, or would like support with mental or physical wellbeing.
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 https://www.activelancashire.org.uk/projects/pendleyeshub
Pendle-Based Youth Service Provides Mental Health Support to Local Teen
