The scheme helping young people thrive at Willow Wood

Local young people are being supported by Willow Wood Hospice’s retail and volunteering teams through a scheme in collaboration with Tameside Council.

The Youth Employment Support (YES) scheme is aimed at helping 16 to 24-year-olds into the world of work, encouraging local organisations to offer at least six months of paid employment.

The scheme provides funding to make it easier for employers to give young people an opportunity.

Last year, the Hospice welcomed its first participant, Declan Ranahan, through the scheme—and he quickly made his mark. Declan has since progressed into a full-time role, balancing his Driver’s Mate position with an apprenticeship supported by Clarendon Sixth Form College.

His success has paved the way for others. Since Declan’s start, five more young people have joined through the scheme, working at the Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne and The Purchase and Donate (PAD) shop in Stalybridge.

Paul King, Willow Wood’s Warehouse and Logistics Manager, has been mentoring some of the young people and has witnessed their progress first hand.

“It has worked really well for us,” he said. “The young people get a lot out of it because they are treated like staff. We support them as much as we can and they are given responsibility. The majority of them do want to stay on at the end of the six months.

“Declan has been an example to others – he’s come a long way in the time he’s been with us and really enjoys his Driver’s Mate role.

“The young people with us have been supporting our van drivers and sorting out stock and serving customers in the Clearance Outlet downstairs. They have been quick learners, have had a positive attitude and have been a massive help.”

For Libby Marshall, 18, from Dukinfield, the role has been eye-opening and empowering.

“I wasn’t doing anything so I was looking for a job and this came up. It’s been really nice – the friendly environment and the people I’m working with. I didn’t really know anything about the Hospice before so I’ve learned a lot about it.

“I’ve learned communication skills and just being more confident because before I wasn’t really good at communicating.”

Kaylum Duggan, 19, from Stalybridge, has taken on a Driver’s Mate role since January 2025.

“It’s a nice working environment and very cooperative. I’ve learned to work in a team, being prepared and lots of physical skills like manual handling. I feel like I’ve had a good impact and I’m enjoying it.

“I would definitely recommend the YES scheme to others – it helps you get out of your shell and find opportunities that help you grow as a person.”

Emily Kellett, 23, from Dukinfield, brought with her some previous volunteering experience, but says her time at Willow Wood has taken her skills and confidence to new levels.

“I’ve developed skills like customer service, money management and teamwork. It’s been lovely working with Libby and all of the team – I feel like I fitted in from day one and I’ve made some great friendships. I want to stay working in retail.”

For many of these young people, previous alternative education placements or work environments had not been the right fit. But at Willow Wood, they have found encouragement, responsibility, and a welcoming team.

Neil Radford, who is involved in the YES scheme at Tameside Council, has praised the collaboration.

“Some of our cohort have challenges and have struggled with social anxiety, particularly around peers of their own age,” Neil said.

“Since working at Willow Wood, we’ve seen their confidence and self-esteem grow and have encouraged increased social interactions across different age groups and some will now travel on public transport independently. They are also broadening their social activities by attending gyms, watching films at the cinema and going shopping with peers.

“Additionally, they have gained valuable experience in learning about the world of work and the responsibilities of being an employee. Through their time at Willow Wood, they have developed essential skills such as teamwork, time management, and workplace communication, which have further boosted their independence skills.

“We would especially like to thank Paul King and his team at the Clearance Outlet and Lisa Pye for their support, patience and kindness. Without this, our scheme wouldn’t be the success it is today.”

To find out more about volunteering at Willow Wood Hospice, visit: willowwood.org.uk/vacancies/volunteer-vacancies

Anyone interested in taking part in the YES scheme can contact the Employment and Skills team at Tameside Council on 0161 342 3111 or email employmentandskills@tameside.gov.uk