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www.
ULSTERRUGBY
.com
22
CHARITY PARTNER
CHARITY PARTNERSHIP
HELPING TACKLE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
So far we’ve marked #BookWeekNI, organised
work place tours, made links with local clubs,
taken part in a bucket collection with Ulster
Rugby’s generous fans, organised a Christmas
present appeal for young people in care and
launched a mouth-watering recipe book with help
from Slim’s Healthy Kitchen.
Paddy Mooney, Director at Include Youth, said:
“We are so proud that Ulster Rugby is supporting
our work with vulnerable and disadvantaged
young people, in particular they are helping us
deliver physical activity programmes and connect
young people to potential employers and positive
role models in their community.
“The partnership has created a real buzz among
staff and young people and throughout the next
two seasons we want to see more young people
from disadvantaged situations take part in rugby,
move positively into employment and thrive in
their community.”
Include Youth supports children and young
people who are in care, from disadvantaged
communities or whose rights are not being
met, improve their employability, increase their
self-esteem and reach their full potential across
Northern Ireland.
Ashleigh (24) is a young mother with limited family
support, who got involved in Include Youth when
she was 17.
“When I was younger I was on Include Youth’s
Give & Take: Core, an employability programme
for young people in care. It helps young people
gain qualifications and work experience. I stayed
in touch with the workers and got involved in
some of their community-based projects after I
had my son.
“When I joined their Meant to Work project in
April 2016 I really wanted to gain full-time work in
the social care sector, as I had lots of voluntary
experience working with vulnerable young people
and adults,” said Ashleigh.
Include Youth staff gave her practical support
with job applications and interview techniques,
and her peer mentor accompanied her and
provided transport to and from her job interview.
She was successful and gained casual shifts at
a homeless drop-in and outreach centre. Still
engaged with the Meant to Work team, and after
three months in the post, a full-time opportunity
arose within the organisation and Ashleigh was
successful in securing it.
Ashleigh adds:“I have calmed down a lot and my
confidence has grown. I had lots of volunteering
experience but didn’t feel like I was ready or able
to get a job. The Meant to Work team supported
me, built up my confidence and helped me with
the practical things like filling in applications that
I’d always struggled with before. I’m so happy
right now and feel like this is a career for life.”
For all the latest news, updates and photos,
follow Include Youth on twitter @IncludeYouth
or on Facebook ‘Include Youth organisation’.
Ulster Rugby’s two-year charity partnership with children and young
people’s charity Include Youth has got off to a kicking start.