Supporting care-experienced young people into work and wellbeing

A group of care-experienced young people have completed an intensive four-week wellbeing and employability programme, delivered in partnership by Glasgow City HSCP’s Continuing Care and Aftercare Employment Services (CCAES) and ng homes.

CCAES supports young people aged 16 to 26, offering tailored one-to-one and group employability guidance, career planning and help to overcome barriers to sustaining work, training or education. Working closely with social work and a wide range of public, private and voluntary organisations, the service is always seeking new opportunities for the young people it supports.

ng homes is a community-based housing association providing housing and support services to tenants and homeowners across north Glasgow. By working closely with tenants, residents and partner organisations, ng homes helps to build strong, sustainable communities. This includes creating employment pathways for local people and those from diverse backgrounds.

This shared commitment led to the creation of the Pitstops Launchpad programme, which combines physical activity, wellbeing support and employability development. Over four weeks, six young adults took part in a structured course, co delivered by CCAES staff and Greg Cann, Project Manager at ng homes. The programme was designed to push participants beyond their comfort zones, with a strong focus on motivation, confidence building and goal setting.

Participants were introduced to touch rugby, a physically demanding activity that challenged many from the very first session. Despite aching muscles and the Scottish January weather, the group’s determination quickly grew. They bonded over the shared experience, encouraging one another throughout the programme. One participant commented: “This is the first course I’ve wanted to come into every morning. I’m knackered, but in a good way.”

Another young person spoke about how rugby had helped to improve his relationship with his dad, who had played the sport when he was younger. Being able to talk about rugby gave them something positive to connect over and brought them closer together.

Alongside the physical activity, employability workshops focused on helping participants identify their strengths and interests, particularly for those who were unsure about future career paths. Glasgow Kelvin College contributed three gym-based sessions led by Level 6 sports coaching students, combining cardio work and weightlifting. One participant, Craig, rediscovered his passion for fitness, managing an impressive 160kg lift. He now hopes to enrol on a sports coaching course at college. Craig said: “This course has been good for getting me into a routine, improving my fitness and pushing me out of my comfort zones.”

ng homes also provided bikes and organised two mountain biking sessions, which proved highly motivating for several of the group. Scott, who has always been interested in biking, has since been offered work experience with ng homes’ bike mechanic, Christie Smith, to explore the possibility of a career in this area.

The group also completed a two-day accredited course delivered by Money Ready, covering personal money management, budgeting, debt advice and financial preparation for independent living.

Spending time outdoors and having staff fully involved in activities had a particularly positive impact on participants’ mental wellbeing. Engagement levels were noticeably higher during physical and nature-based sessions. A day working with Venture Trust and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) at Festival Park saw the group work together to build a bee bank, taking on tasks such as trench digging and land shaping.

At the end of the four-week programme, ng homes were especially impressed by Ross, whose determination and positive attitude stood out throughout. As a result, he was offered a four-week work placement as an Environmental Services Operative with ng2, a subsidiary of ng homes that delivers essential services such as grass cutting and furniture removal from empty properties.

Ross continued to impress during his placement and was delighted to accept a six month contract with ng2, which he is thoroughly enjoying.

Given the group’s clear enthusiasm for outdoor work, the programme has since been extended for a further six weeks in partnership with TCV. Participants are gaining hands-on experience in areas such as invasive species removal, tree planting and soil identification, with more sessions planned. There is also the opportunity to work towards a John Muir Award. The extended programme aims to build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to apply for Glasgow City Council’s upcoming Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS) apprenticeships later this year.