Upturn on the right track to solving joblessness

Oldham community cause Upturn is hitting the road in a bid to connect with the most disadvantaged youngsters in the borough – after a survey revealed a worrying lack of trust in the police, the civil service, and other public institutions.

Using cash from the National Lottery’s Community Fund, they have mapped out a route of struggling neighbourhoods where they intend to “meet people where they’re at.”  

From their campervan – appropriately named Hope – they will dispense advice on CVs and job hunting and help those with neurodiverse conditions to get the qualifications required to find work. 

 And with close-on one million 16-24-year-olds jobless in Britain, they believe their non-officious mobile approach should be replicated across the country. 

 “The current way of doing things doesn’t appear to be working” said co-founder and director of Upturn, Maria Williams, “we expect people to travel miles to gain even the simplest support when they lack confidence, are dealing with chaotic family issues including poor health and can’t afford the fare to get there.  

“The other inescapable fact is that they do not trust institutions anymore.” 

A survey by the John Smith Centre actually showed that of the 16-24-year-olds they quizzed nationally: 
• 45 per cent didn’t have faith in the police 
• Only a third trusted the council 
• 38 per cent believed in the courts system 
• 22 per cent had any faith at all in the civil service 

The Hope campervan can transport materials and more importantly qualified and experienced HR staff to areas of great need. It has so far hosted mobile careers appointments and helped dispense health products to hospitals, hospices, and refugees. 

Hope was featured on the BBC national Children in Need telethon and this latest tranche of support – called Local Change – is funded by money donated to the drive. 
Amongst the skills it will give struggling youngsters are: 
• The strength to overcome personal barriers 
• The ability to search more effectively for work 
• Health and wellbeing advice
• Details on how to start your own business 

Maria added: “We have a fantastic track record of turning lives around, and I genuinely believe that is because we build-up personal relationships and have the expertise to help. If people have trust they develop the belief they need to succeed.” 

Learn more about Upturn, by visiting  https://www.upturn.org.uk/en/