Good Work Camden (Camden Council’s free employment service) has teamed up with Greater Change charity to deliver £200,000 of funding to support young people into training and employment.
The funding, provided equally by Good Work Camden and Greater Change, is tailored to each young person’s needs — from laptops and tech to clothing, travel, and training courses that help them work towards their dream job. So far, 29 young people have received support worth a total of £47,585, with grants averaging £1,680.
Young people are referred for support by advisors in our job hubs and children’s services, who work closely with care leavers; children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND); and those with experience of the youth justice system.
This pilot is part of the Council’s Youth Mission to ensure that every young person in Camden has access to economic opportunity that enables them to be safe and secure.
We spoke to some local young people who have offered to talk about their experiences being supported by the scheme.
Mohib, 24 years old
“I have a learning disability, but I am proud of the progress I have made with the right support. Good Work Camden has supported me by helping me get training and work experience. I now attend a warehouse where I am learning packing skills, how to follow instructions, and how to work with other people. I still remember the first time I went home by myself; it felt amazing and made me feel independent.
“I would say to other young people with learning disabilities: don’t give up. With the right support, like I received from Good Work Camden and Greater Change, you can achieve your goals. For me, this support has made a big difference in my life, and I now believe I can do even more in the future.”
Elyas, 24 years old
“Jo and Jawad [at Good Work Camden] have been incredibly kind and supportive ever since I moved to Camden. They are helping me figure out my new life here and guiding me as I think about my career path.
“I want to build my confidence, improve my communication skills and learn more about career options here in London that could suit me.
“I would definitely recommend Good Work Camden. Jo and Jawad really listen and care. Don’t hesitate to seek help with them. It is completely okay to feel lost or unsure about what career path to choose, they will help you find opportunities you might not have known about, just like me when I moved to the UK. They are very compassionate individuals and really care about you.”
Cllr Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture, said:
“We established the Youth Mission to address the inequality in young people accessing education, training and career opportunities – we know this disproportionately affects young people with experience of the youth justice system, or the care system, or who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
“In partnership with Greater Change, our work is breaking down the barriers between Camden’s young residents and their aspirations, and it’s inspiring to hear it’s having such a tremendous impact on their confidence and wellbeing.”
Jonathan Tan, Co-Founder and CEO, Greater Change said:
“Our objective at Greater Change has always been to give clients the dignity of choice, supporting them to express their aspirations and ambitions, and knocking down the financial barriers in their path.
“This can only ever be possible with partners who are aligned with our principles of having a truly person-centred approach; who ask people what it is that they actually want and need. We are so excited to be working with the team at Good Work Camden, to deliver this progressive and empowering vision.”
Further information
Good Work Camden is a free Council service to help anyone who lives in Camden find a new or better-paid job or training opportunity. Services include help with CVs and applications, access to apprenticeships and work experience and advice on employment law.
Appointments are available in-person at our community Job Hubs or via a phone or video call. If you’re disabled and/or neuro-diverse, targeted support is available via our Disability Job Hub.
