Client Success Stories: Meet S.

Supporting NEET Youth into Work

We support women from all walks of life, including young women who are looking for work. Youth unemployment is rising in the UK, with recent figures estimating there are about 946,000 young people, aged 16 to 24, who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). It is thought that there are 128,000 unemployed young women in the UK at present, and 306,000 who are economically inactive, meaning they’re neither in paid work nor looking for work (source: ONS).

The number of NEET youth has increased dramatically since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Experts warn that this could negatively impact the economy and cause lasting damage to an entire generation of young people.

This is the backdrop against which the impact of our work is felt. We at Dress for Success Greater London are on the frontline, delivering vital services that help NEET women to kickstart their careers and achieve economic independence.

Today, we’re celebrating S., who recently secured employment as a Custody Detention Officer.

22-year-old S. first visited us to receive work-appropriate clothing, and soon after joined our Women’s Career Launch Pad programme to develop her workplace skills. S. had been looking for work for several years and was receiving Universal Credit. She had initially been introduced to us by the DWP and her local job centre, where she had undertaken some work experience. She told us that, although she was excited to receive clothing, she gained essential skills and knowledge by attending the Career Launch Pad. In her own words,

What stood out to me is when [DfSGL Programme & Operations Lead] Maxine sat us down after and was like, ‘I’m having a programme, the Career Launch Pad, and I really think you girls would be great on it because it teaches you a lot about the workplace.’ We’ve done one about finances…it’s very simple once you have people who believe in you and also help you learn the steps to get to your chosen path.

Our workplace development programmes, including the Career Launch Pad, give women the skills and self-assurance they need to build a sustainable career, helping them to thrive in the workplace and beyond. S., like many of our NEET clients, has greatly benefitted from our programmes and has successfully found a job that she can build upon.

We are so proud of S. and are delighted to have supported her on her pathway to success. Join us in congratulating her as she begins an exciting new chapter.

Dress for Success Greater London supports NEET youth into the workplace. Note: an actor has been used in this photo to anonymise S.