Young people across the borough will benefit from help and support to get back into employment and training, following the launch of a new hub in Basingstoke.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Inclusion Education and the Department for Work and Pensions are working together to launch Basingstoke Youth Hub – a new service which will provide employment and personalised support for young job seekers across Basingstoke and Deane.

The hub has been uniquely designed to help young people take the next step in their career. Alongside support on CV writing, interview preparation and job searching, the new service will provide dedicated support for mental health and neurodivergent needs to build essential skills and boost confidence for all.

Hosted by Inclusion Education in Belvedere House, Basing View and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and the borough council, it will initially focus on supporting young people currently registered with Jobcentre Plus and actively seeking employment, with the potential to help more young people in the future.

Inclusion Education Relationships Director Marie Greenhalgh said: “Our Inclusion EB8 – Employability Bridge already successfully supports young people who are taking the step from Inclusion College into employment. To be able to offer our expertise through Basingstoke Youth Hub will mean many more young people can access essential skill building and mental health support to feel truly prepared for work.

“We are so excited for this opportunity to work with the council and DWP to provide Basingstoke Youth Hub to more young people struggling in our local area and helping to ensure that we remove the barriers to employment. Inclusion EB8 – Employability Bridge, really is an inspirational space where we are working to support the future workforce to find and realise their potential.”

Basingstoke Youth Hub directly supports action the borough council is taking to remove barriers to employment by enabling residents to access education, training and employment opportunities as part of the its new Future Economic Framework.

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Paul Harvey said: “We are proud to be working with Inclusion Education and the Department for Work and Pensions. Basingstoke Youth Hub reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every young person in our borough has the opportunity and space to thrive. It is a fantastic example of what we can achieve when we work together to support young people.

“But the hub is about more than just employment support – it’s about building confidence, opening doors and helping young people in our borough feel valued, supported and empowered to shape their future.”

The Department for Work and Pension’s Partnership Manager Andy Sherman MBE JP added: “DWP is proud to support the launch of the new Youth Hub in Basingstoke, a vital step forward in line with government’s priority of reducing youth unemployment and supporting young people who are not in education, employment or training.

“Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, this hub reflects our shared ambition to create opportunities, raise aspirations, and deliver tailored support that helps young people move confidently towards brighter futures. By working in partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Inclusion Education and a network of local organisations and employers, we’re ensuring that young people in Basingstoke have access to the guidance and resources they need to succeed.”

Businesses who are recruiting new staff and would like to get involved and support the hub with work experience or volunteering opportunities can get in touch by emailing partnerships@basingstoke.gov.uk

Image supplied by Inclusion Education