Blog

After college, one young person struggled to find work despite having carpentry skills. Through our Forging Futures programme, we helped him build a CV, gain confidence, and complete a supported work placement. The placement led to a part-time job, which he now complements with voluntary work to build his skills further. He’s working toward new qualifications and a long-term career in maintenance.

Thomas joined Forging Futures after facing unemployment and mental health challenges. With support from Cumbria Youth Alliance, he rebuilt his confidence, began volunteering, and is now our Marketing & Communications Officer. Last month, he shared his inspiring journey at Westminster—highlighting how local youth support creates lasting change.

In May, Cumbria Youth Alliance presented Forging Futures 1 at Westminster, highlighting how trusted relationships, flexible support and partnerships help young people into work. With national organisations in attendance, the session sparked discussion on effective youth employability.

Youth Presence’s Year 6 Transition Project supported children moving to secondary school through in-school sessions, youth groups, and extra transition days, boosting confidence and connection.

The work of supporting staff and volunteers at Red Lonning Community Centre has come to fruition this month with the start of a new Youth Club.

Recently, our support for CandoFM in Barrow has come to fruition. The couple who run this junior community radio station are youth workers and see it as a vehicle for youth work. They have been able to move forward with this now after a period of development supported by CYA.

SO referred by their JCP work coach to the Forging Futures programme, (funded by the Youth Futures Foundation) in November 2023.

BBu – referred by their JCP work coach to the Forging Futures programme, (funded by the Youth Futures Foundation) in September 2023.

MLy - referred by their JCP work coach to the Forging Futures programme, (funded by the Youth Futures Foundation) in September 2023.

MK was referred by the DWP to the Forging Futures programme. Funded by the Youth Futures Foundation. Her biggest barrier was that she was a young mum with a young baby, alongside being a carer for her ill mother.

K and D both attended Carlisle Job Centre on 02/11/2023 and signed onto Cumbria Youth Alliances Outreach Project working in partnership with the DWP Youth Hub program. This program was enabled through DWP Flexible Support Funding.

AW was referred to the Forging Futures project by their work coach from Penrith Job centre having been out of work for close to a year. We initially focused on realistic goal setting, basic CV writing, key skills and career aspirations. AW wanted to explore options relating to administration roles, but also showed an interest in social care.