CXK is delighted to announce that it has been successful in securing the new Youth Employability Service (YES) delivery contract for East Sussex. The contract with East Sussex County Council will run from October 2023.
YES provides an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) support service for young people in East Sussex who are not in learning post-16, or who are at risk of not progressing into post-16 learning. Intensive 1:1 support is tailored to individual needs and provided over an extended period to ensure sustained progress.
The service offers impartial, targeted IAG support to vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds facing complex barriers to learning or at risk of disengagement. This includes planning next steps and exploring options such as college, apprenticeships, training, and employment. Advisors also provide holistic support for personal and social issues.
In the 2 years from October 2023, CXK expects to support approximately 8,700 young people through the YES service.
Pauline Smith, CEO at CXK, said: “We are delighted that we have been successful in being re-awarded the Youth Employability Service (YES) contract.”
“During the past three years, the number of year 11s at risk of becoming NEET has risen year on year. Evidence suggests that some children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing has been substantially impacted during the pandemic, making this provision all the more important. We’re thrilled to remain at the forefront of being able to innovate and respond to the increasing and changing needs of young people across East Sussex .”
Cllr Bob Standley, East Sussex County Council’s Cabinet member for Education and Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability, said: “The fallout from the COVID pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have a huge impact on the opportunities available to young people in our county.”
“It’s more important than ever that we help to increase the opportunities available to young people, remove barriers which may be preventing them from taking up those opportunities and help to develop their skills and confidence to secure and retain employment or further training.”
“We are delighted to be able to work with CXK to ensure young people have all the tools and support they need to progress through a career pathway that is right for them and improve their life chances.”
For further information about YES, visit cxk.org/services/youth-employability-service-yes.
