Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth, has announced a new three-year partnership with leading youth unemployment charity Spear.
Recognised as one of the UK’s most effective youth unemployment initiatives, Spear supports 16- to 24-year-olds who face barriers to entering employment, such as having few or no GCSEs, experiencing mental health challenges or having grown up in care. More than 70% of those who complete the programme get in to work or education and are still there a year later.
The programme begins with four-to-six-weeks of community-based coaching, that identifies their strengths and develops the practical skills necessary to build a successful career and thrive in the workplace.
Following this, Spear provides further support of up to 12 months as they begin employment. This includes assistance with job applications, as well as ongoing guidance for the young professionals once they have successfully secured employment.
As part of Southside’s three-year commitment, the shopping centre team will volunteer their time to deliver hands-on workshops including conducting mock interviews, CV writing development, workplace visits, career panels and Q&A sessions. The centre will also work with its brands and service partners to identify employment opportunities, offering dedicated career guidance to help trainees navigate the job marketing as they move into new roles.
Shannon Reed, Centre Director at Southside, commented: “Supporting and investing in our community is at the heart of what we do here at Southside. We are proud to partner with Spear over the next three years, working together to make a meaningful impact in tackling youth unemployment in Wandsworth.
“This collaboration pairs Spear’s proven coaching expertise with our retail resources and brand partners, enabling us to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and employment pathways they need to build successful careers. Together, we aim to create brighter futures for the next generation while continuing to strengthen the community we are proud to be of.”
Iona Ledwidge, CEO of Spear, said: “Young people have so much potential and they have ambition but many face barriers to employment and this is a particularly tough job market with so many young people neither earning nor learning.
“The need for Spear is urgent and we’re so grateful for our partnerships with forward-thinking companies like Landsec. This partnership will enable us to empower many more young people through the Spear Programme so they can unleash their potential, step confidently into work and thrive.”
