‘Generation Charnwood gives a sense of purpose’

Volunteer, Alice Wagg, has gained 'a sense of purpose' through a project designed to boost the employability skills of thousands of young people.

The Youth Sport Trust, in partnership with Active Together, is leading Generation Charnwood – a government-funded project to use sport to improve the wellbeing, life chances, and employability skills of young people in the borough.

Among them is Alice, 22, who signed up after Generation Charnwood was recommended by her Job Centre work coach. Through the programme, Alice was offered a placement with Fusion at Loughborough Leisure Centre.

"When the leisure centre was suggested I was a bit worried because of my arthritis but we agreed a way of working and jobs that suited me and I really enjoyed it," Alice said.

After completing her placement, the leisure centre asked her if she'd like to continue volunteering.

Alice said: "I didn't even have to think about it! I'm so thankful to have been given the opportunity – it's given me a feeling of purpose. I really look forward to my shifts.

"I'm gaining confidence and experience and I am hopeful that it will lead to me finding a paid role either here or somewhere similar."

The Generation Charnwood team is working with schools, employers and partners to create life chances, choices and skills for the most disadvantaged young people across the borough through sport.

The programme is also offering training to help young people develop leadership skills, support after school activities and help young people connect with potential employers.

It aims to support 3,900 young Charnwood residents by July 2025.

Alice added: "Because of my mental and physical health it's been difficult for me to find work, I get universal credit, so volunteering feels like a way I can give something back.

"It's given me confidence and helped me see that there are roles out there that I can do."

The programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and was set up to help mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Steph Buckley, Alice's supervisor at Loughborough Leisure Centre, said: "We've enjoyed working with Alice as much as Alice has enjoyed working with us. I'd encourage young people and employers to get involved, it's an easy way to make a real difference."

Programme Manager Claire Smith said: "Alice is a great example of what Generation Charnwood set out to achieve.

"Both Alice and the leisure centre have benefited from the programme and replicating this across Charnwood will hopefully boost skills and the economy.

"We're pleased with our progress and looking forward to working with more young people, schools and employers."