NEWS RELEASES
YES please to new Youth Enterprise Scheme
10 July 2008
A NEW Youth Enterprise Scheme (YES) is encouraging 13 to 16 year olds in Billingshurst to get involved in their community by helping out in local businesses and shops.
The scheme has been launched by Billingshurst Community Partnership and Horsham District Council and aims to give young people valuable experience and interact with adults who they might not ordinarily have contact with.
Volunteers so far have helped with cleaning, till work, and catering in different establishments.
As reward, all young people enrolled on the scheme are awarded credits for the hours they have worked. These credits can then be exchanged for vouchers or day trips of their choice.
Speaking of the scheme, Greg Charman, Community Safety Officer at Horsham District Council, said:
“There was concern within the Billingshurst community that young people were becoming increasingly isolated from other generations.
“YES is an attempt to encourage different generations to mix with one another and instil mutual respect and responsibility.
“The ultimate aim is to help reduce crime and disorder and to encourage everyone within Billingshurst to think more about others and allow everyone to feel safer.”
Instrumental in setting up the YES scheme is Denise Campbell from Billingshurst Community Partnership, who said:
“I’m really pleased with the take up for the scheme so far.
“Since launching the pilot project two months ago we have already placed ten young people and we have a growing number of businesses in Billingshurst which are keen to register their interest. “
All parties involved in YES (parents included) sign a simple contract so that everyone understands what is expected, the type of work involved and hours required. There is a maximum of four hours commitment per week.
The success of the scheme lies in carefully matching the needs of both the young person and the businesses and shops that are prepared to try the scheme.
Young people and business owners in Billingshurst are being urged to consider joining the scheme and build on its early success.
For more information or to register to be included please call Keith Brown of Billingshurst Community Partnership on 01403 782321.
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk