The Link Up Youth Hub is only possible thanks to partnership working with Havant Borough Council and the following organisations:
Department for Work and Pensions:
The Department for Work and Pensions has been a critical partner from the very outset of the project. It has heavily invested into the project, providing funds to maintain the Youth Hub as well as actively funding a member of staff to support the project. The investment highlights a commitment to proactively addressing known issues which act as barriers to future employment for young people.
The Health Foundation:
The Foundation’s Economies for Healthier Lives programme – which aims to strengthen the relationship between economic development and health – supports and funds the Link Up Leigh Park programme. Supporting local and regional partnerships across the UK, it focuses on promoting health and reducing health inequalities through economic development strategies.
Link Up Leigh Park:
This Havant-centric partnership is working with local schools, colleges and employers to address low education, training and employment outcomes for young people. With a focus on in-person support, it is proactive in reaching young people disconnected from work and supporting them in accessing training and education at a critical time in their lives.
Havant and Souths Downs College (HSDC):
HSDC is a three-campus college that provides and meets a wide range of educational requirements for almost 7,500 students from the borough and beyond. Active in the local community across a wide spectrum of audiences, it is an integral partner in the delivery of Link Up Leigh Park. Support is wide ranging, and includes delivering invaluable mentoring to help students transition to further education.
University of Portsmouth (UoP):
In collaboration with Havant Borough Council, the UoP has undertaken an advanced research programme which took a deep dive into the needs of the Leigh Park community, engaging with local organisations, businesses and residents. From this, the UoP are currently mapping the barriers of different behaviours (and their respective facilitators) for young people (16-24 year olds) in the Leigh Park area.
Park Community School:
Situated in Leigh Park, Park Community School provides a wide range of technical, vocational and academic courses to over 900 students. Like HSDC, it is highly active in the local community, and a welcome participant in the Link Up Youth Hub programme. Highlights include partnership working in supporting students with their transition to Further Education through a mentoring programme.
