YMCA South Midlands and Xscape Milton Keynes have launched an employment partnership aimed at helping young people in the city develop skills and move towards work.
Xscape, which is owned by property company Landsec, has donated £2,000 to YMCA South Midlands to begin the partnership. The leisure destination will also provide space in the centre for the charity to raise further funds and promote its employment support.
YMCA South Midlands works with young people to explore career options, training and apprenticeships. Its employment programme includes CV writing, help with job applications, interview preparation and practical employability sessions.
The new employment partnership is intended to connect young people in Milton Keynes with employers, mentors and other employment networks.
Elliot Moore, employment coach at YMCA South Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Landsec and Xscape Milton Keynes to create more opportunities for young people in Milton Keynes. Together, we can connect young people with employers, experiences and support that can make a real difference to their futures.
“At YMCA South Midlands, we believe every young person brings valuable strengths, talents and ambitions. With the right support, these can be developed into meaningful careers and long-term success.
“Work offers more than an income; it provides structure, stability and purpose, all of which can help change the trajectory of a young person’s life. We provide the encouragement that helps young people believe in themselves and take those important steps towards their future.”
The initiative comes against a difficult national backdrop for youth employment. Office for National Statistics figures published in May estimated that 1.012 million people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were not in education, employment or training during January to March 2026, equivalent to 13.5 per cent of the age group.
Dan Murphy, centre director at Xscape Milton Keynes, said: “Our partnership with YMCA South Midlands will support young people in the city to build confidence, develop valuable skills and access opportunities that can support their journey into employment.
“As a leisure destination rooted in the local community, we recognise the important role we can play in creating opportunities and supporting organisations that make a real difference. Through this partnership, we hope to give the confidence and skills to explore new possibilities, develop their potential and take positive steps towards a brighter future.”
The project forms part of Landsec Futures, the property group’s social mobility programme. Landsec has set a target of supporting at least 30,000 people from underrepresented socio-economic backgrounds towards long-term employment by 2030.
Landsec said it had supported more than 19,000 people facing barriers to employment since its 2019-20 baseline.
Pictured: A £2,000 boost for youth employment in Milton Keynes: Dan Murphy, Centre Director at Xscape, joins YMCA South Midlands’ Sharon Harrison, Business Development and Fundraising Manager, and Hollie Wills, Fundraising and Partnerships Officer, to mark the launch of a new partnership with Landsec.
