Goal 4: A place to thrive and succeed
What will change
- Less unemployment and access to good employment opportunities for all.
- Young people have high aspirations and the skills and opportunities to realise their ambitions.
- North Halifax is an enterprising place, creating employment opportunities within the community.
How we will do it
- Creating an employment and skills taskforce of local delivery partners. This is to implement the Employment and Skills Framework and Post-16 Learning, Employment, and Skills Strategy.
- Fostering partnerships between local businesses, schools, and community organisations. This aims to create pathways for internships, apprenticeships, and employment tailored to the needs of the community.
- Encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives by offering resources, mentorship, and access to funding for local start ups and enterprises.
- Establishing programmes that inspire and empower young people to pursue their ambitions. Including skills development workshops and mentorship programmes, with a focus on green skills and careers.
- Ensuring that social value is a key criterion in the planning and procurement of new developments. This includes their potential to create jobs and opportunities that benefit people in North Halifax.
Why it is a priority
When individuals have access to opportunities for education, employment, and personal development, they can improve their quality of life. As well as contribute positively to the community.
Creating a thriving environment is a top priority for local people in North Halifax. This is due to some significant challenges including higher-than average unemployment and economic inactivity. Nearly one-third of residents lack formal qualifications, limiting their job prospects.
While many children perform well academically, the pandemic has negatively impacted education. It left some with unmet special educational and emotional needs.
Additionally, communities see a concerning number of teenagers who are not in education, employment, or training—higher than the Calderdale average. This lack of local opportunities for skill development and work experience hinders young people's aspirations and future success. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a community where everyone can thrive and succeed.
“Linking schools more effectively to skills programmes and connections to employment”
“We are keen to offer more volunteering opportunities to young people to develop hands on skills.”
Evidence base
- 890 people seeking employment.
- 31% of residents have no qualifications.
How we will assess progress
- Pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4.
- Number of people saying that Calderdale is a great place for young people to flourish and achieve their ambitions.
- Number of people that think that Calderdale is a place that enables businesses to thrive and succeed.
Case study
Strengthening community care: Noah's Ark Centre’s integrated wellbeing service
The Integrated Wellbeing Service (IWS) was developed by Noah’s Ark Centre. It contributes to the North Halifax goal to be a "Place Where People Care for Each Other". It does this by addressing the mental health and wellbeing needs of vulnerable young people in the community.
The IWS provides early intervention and holistic support to those facing significant challenges, including trauma, poverty, and adverse childhood experiences.
The IWS helps build resilience and improve the emotional health of young people. Especially for those who may otherwise fall through the cracks of traditional support systems. This is done by offering therapy, activity groups, money advice, and other tailored services.
The service is inclusive of diverse groups to ensure that every young person has access to the care they need. Including:
- Those who are not in education, employment or training.
- Have special educational needs.
- Care leavers.
- Identify as LGBTQ+.
The IWS takes a collaborative approach to mental health support, demonstrating the power of community engagement and collective care. This is done by developing partnerships with :
- Local Family Hubs at Kevin Pearce and Innovations Children’s Centres.
- Other community organisations.
Noah’s Ark aims to involve more community partners to broaden the holistic services available. Ensuring the IWS becomes a long-term part of the mental health and wellbeing support offered to young people and adults in North Halifax and beyond.
The IWS supports the vision of a North Halifax where individuals are not only cared for but also equipped to care for themselves and others. Empowering people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing. This creates a supportive, resilient community where people look out for one another and work together to overcome challenges.