Introduction

YEP is a UK Government‑funded initiative through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supporting disadvantaged young people aged 16–24 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Launched in January 2024 and running until March 2026, the project focuses on those who are NEET or at risk of NEET, have SEN, or belong to other vulnerable groups.

This case study follows AB, a young person who faced significant anxiety and lacked confidence around others. AB joined Yep! to begin rebuilding confidence, gain real-life experience, and explore opportunities that could support their long‑term aspiration of working with food.

Our Role

Real Ideas worked with AB to understand their goals and the barriers they were facing. AB’s confidence challenges made it difficult to take steps toward employment, training, or social engagement. Our role was to offer patient, flexible support and create a safe environment where AB could build skills at a comfortable pace.

What We Delivered

Workshops and Learning Opportunities

AB engaged in a range of activities designed to develop digital skills, creativity, and confidence, including:

• Content creation workshops, exploring branding and designing digital content based on the idea of a future food-related business.
• A six-day Digital Essentials course, building skills in:
   
  • cloud computing
   
  • AI tools
   
  • basic project management using Trello
   
  • group participation and communication
   
  • exploring Ikigai to map long-term goals

These sessions provided both practical skills and opportunities to socialise in a low-pressure group setting.

Real-Life Work Experience

AB took part in volunteering at the library café, gaining hands-on experience in a busy kitchen environment. This offered a safe and supportive place to practice:

• time management
• customer service
• food hygiene
• teamwork and independent working
• batch cooking
• running elements of a café kitchen
• barista skills and making drinks orders

This practical placement was instrumental in boosting AB’s confidence and building routines.

Partnership Support

AB was also engaged with Access Training, which supports their longer‑term goal of working with food, complementing the progress made through YEP.

Impact

The progress AB has made has been significant and deeply positive. They have:

• built confidence in social and work-related situations
• taken on real responsibilities in the café kitchen
• developed core employability and life skills
• become more comfortable communicating, including tasks like answering phone calls that once felt overwhelming

Although AB has not yet moved into employment, education, or formal training and remains NEET, their personal development has moved steadily forward. The project recognises that AB needs time, stability, and a consistent safe space to continue building confidence—and we are committed to supporting that journey.

AB has achieved their initial goal of becoming more confident and gaining practical experience in an environment aligned with their aspirations. Their journey is ongoing, and each step represents meaningful progress.

Testimonials

“Becoming more confident has been a massive benefit, being even able to have a phone call from me was a big deal at the start, so from where they were to where they are now they have come a long way. It is a fantastic thing to see someone who is being brave and watching them grow and change is amazing.
— Real Ideas Pathways Co‑ordinator

“I would recommend this project to other young people because it has helped me build up my confidence and to grow as a person and I think that others would be better off if they did that.”

— AB

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