LionLink and Catch22 launch Social Mobility Initiative in Suffolk to open up opportunities for young people

Young people in the Suffolk coastal area are set to benefit from a new social mobility fund delivered by Catch22 and National Grid's LionLink project which aims to break down barriers to employment.

Building upon a successful four-year partnership between Catch22 and National Grid, which has focussed on supporting young people facing disadvantage into work, the new initiative from the LionLink project will see a bursary fund made available for young people in Suffolk. The fund is particularly designed to fund driving lessons – which is vital for many job opportunities in the area.

Breaking down additional barriers beyond driving lessons, the Social Mobility Initiative will address other key barriers to employment, including:

• Transportation costs: support for travel expenses before obtaining driving licences.
• Digital access: assistance with internet and phone costs for job searching.
• Professional clothing: funding for interview clothing to ensure a confident first impression.
• Skills development: support for training courses to enhance employability.

One Catch22 participant, said: 

The driving funding allowed me to progress with my career in a time I was disadvantaged to my peers and held back from learning as everyone else could. It removed one of the biggest barriers disadvantaged individuals face; the extortionate cost of everything. With the driving finance, I was able to focus on what I really needed to focus on. I was able to train for my actual job, while being able to afford the basic necessities.

Gareth Burden, Construction Director at LionLink, said:

We are committed to investing in the local communities where our LionLink project will be developed. Young people facing disadvantage will benefit from our work with Catch22 to tackle the barriers they face getting into work. It is important everyone has the opportunity to get into work and this partnership will support people in the Suffolk Coastal area to do just that.

Contact Information

Tom Dooks
[email protected]