Youth unemployment is the issue this programme addresses. Birmingham has the highest rate of youth unemployment amongst core cities in the UK (10.5%) - over double the UK average (4.2%), and 41% of its population has not achieved the government's target of 5 A* - C GCSEs. Being NEET once makes you eight times more likely to be NEET again, and young people then face the lasting impacts of unemployment - low self-esteem, mental health issues, crime and ASB and lifetime wage scarring.

Our 'NEET' programme - an employability and personal development programme for 16 - 25 years olds who are NEET, develops their employability and key life skills - providing them with the support they need to move into sustained employment, education or training. Covering 12-months, with an initial intensive group-based 5-week programme, activities include structured sport sessions, accredited qualifications (up to QCF Level 2), employability workshops, mock interviews and 1-2-1 mentoring support