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The £499,000 pilot will be led by the Council’s Youth Service Team and will be available to 11 to 25-year-olds living in Neath Port Talbot.

The initial six-month project has already started, with plans to extend the length of the project pending further funding.

The project will provide support in four ways including:

• Wellbeing support - Ways to strengthen and improve the emotional and mental wellbeing of young people supported by the Council’s Wellbeing Team.
• Alternative curriculum and re-engagement programmes – The Council’s Skills & Training service will be identifying and supporting pupils return to formal education following the disruption from the COVID pandemic.
• Career identification and work experience - Working alongside Careers Wales to help young people to choose a career pathway and identify suitable work experience opportunities.
• Removing barriers – The Youth Service will be helping young people by removing any barriers and addressing any skills they need to progress their careers. Plus, they will provide support and guidance through trained youth workers to help young people to progress on their journey into employment, education or training.

Councillor Peter Rees, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture, said: “Keeping young people engaged in their learning is vital to avoid the risk of them failing to enter education, employment or training – especially during the COVID pandemic. 

“This pilot project will ensure they are given the support and guidance they need, not only for their education but also for their wellbeing.

“As a council, we are committed to giving every young person the best start in life so they can be the best they can be.”

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.