YMCA South Midlands has helped 88 young people living at its Milton Keynes campus secure 122 jobs over a year, combining employment coaching with housing and personal support.
The figures cover 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026 and reflect the charity’s work with residents who can face barriers to employment, including homelessness, disrupted education, poor mental health and a lack of confidence.
Its employment service offers one-to-one help with CVs, interview preparation and finding opportunities, alongside support as residents start work.
Employment coach Elliot works with personal development coaches and the wider campus team. The service forms part of YMCA South Midlands’ pathway to independent living, which brings together safe accommodation, practical guidance and support to develop skills and confidence.
Elliot said: “At a time when the cost of living continues to rise and employment opportunities are increasingly challenging to access, it is more important than ever that young people are given the support and opportunities they need to achieve financial independence.
“As an Employment Coach at YMCA South Midlands, it is a privilege to help young people overcome barriers to employment and secure meaningful, long-term work, empowering them to have a brighter future in which they can truly thrive.”
The results come against a national backdrop of almost one million young people outside education, employment or training. Office for National Statistics estimates put the total at 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 between April and June 2026, equivalent to 13 per cent of that age group. Office for National Statistics
Simon Green, chief executive of YMCA South Midlands, credited both residents’ determination and the combined work of the charity’s employment and support teams.
He said: “Supporting 88 young people into 122 jobs in just one year is a fantastic achievement, and a real testament to Elliot’s dedication, the hard work of our wider team and, most importantly, the determination of the young people themselves.
“These outcomes don’t happen in isolation. They are the result of a team working together to provide the stability, encouragement and practical support that young people need to succeed.”
The charity says employment can help residents build financial stability, form friendships and gain the confidence to move towards independent living. It hopes its approach will inform wider efforts to help young people into work.
Simon added: “Behind every one of those jobs is a young person whose life has the potential to change. Employment isn’t just about earning a wage. It’s about building confidence, developing independence and having the opportunity to look forward to a brighter future.”
Contact YMCA South Midlands, for information about its housing and employment support.
