Enterprise is the answer to the young and the jobless
Today’s unemployment figures make uncomfortable reading for young people across the North West.
The number of jobless 16–24s in the UK jumped 67,000 to 1.02 million – the highest figure since 1992.
The problem is particularly acute for disadvantaged young men and women, including those who have found hope in Jesus through our work. With fewer qualifications and little or no experience of work, the prospect of finding employment in this climate is bleak – which has a serious effect on their discipleship and growth in Christ.
But The Message is working on a pioneering scheme to change that: the Message Enterprise Centre. We’ve acquired land and begun work on rehabilitating a derelict factory next to our HQ in Sharston.
When we open in Summer 2012, the Centre will house six brand new businesses dedicated to training and creating jobs for around 50 ex-offenders and other vulnerable young adults we’re in contact with. People like Nick and Adam, whose stories we’ve told this year.
Our experience shows that a lack of work is one of the most common reasons ex-offenders go back to crime. We believe that when you give young men and women a real job, a stable place to live and the help of a supportive community and you give them the best possible chance of becoming useful members of society.
Neglect them, though, and we all pay the price. The costs of workless young people are staggering. Estimates suggest every unemployed ex-offender or care-leaver costs the taxpayer at least £50,000 a year, taking into account unemployment benefits, health care, drug or alcohol treatment, policing, prison and probation services.
In contrast, the cost of providing training and mentoring to dozens of young people, resulting in real jobs and stable, productive lives is expected to be less than £300,000 a year when the Enterprise Centre opens its doors.
Once up and running, the Enterprise Centre will also be a hub for the city’s entrepreneurial talent. Each small business will be led by an entrepreneur committed to both profit and people, with good advice and support offered by some of the city’s most successful business people. As businesses grow and leave the Centre, space will be made for new enterprises to be born, making it a real incubator of potential.
It’s our belief there is no lack of entrepreneurial talent in our prisons and tough communities. The challenge is harnessing and supporting what’s already there to grow.
We’re doing it because 20 years of experience has taught us that discipleship only really happens in supportive community. Jesus gives young people like Nick and Adam a second chance. We must too.
The Message Enterprise Centre is currently seeking capital funding in the region of £300,000 to complete the £1M refurbishment of the derelict site. Please pledge your support today.
Give online now, or email your contact details and we’ll call you to follow up.
To offer your business or Trust’s support, please contact Frank Green, Director, Message Enterprise Centre via email or by phone, 07946 424324.