Youth Support Summit Held in Milton Keynes
A significant gathering took place in Milton Keynes recently, bringing together various organisations focused on enhancing opportunities for the city’s young people. The core ambition was to ensure all local youth have the chance to succeed.
The event was hosted at Aiimi HQ, a prominent business location within Milton Keynes. It provided a platform for open discussions and collaborative planning to address a key local challenge: supporting young individuals who are not currently engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET).
Personal Journeys Shared
Four young people from Milton Keynes, who had previously navigated the NEET status, shared their personal experiences at the summit. Their accounts shed light on the obstacles many young people encounter.
These testimonies also demonstrated the strong resilience, determination, and inherent potential that can flourish when appropriate support systems are in place. This human element underscored the importance of the collaborative effort.
Collaborative Action and Local Context
The summit was organised by Noel McCarthy, Deputy CEO of SOFEA, and Paul Cheesbrough, SOFEA Site Director. Key speakers included Rebecca Trowell, Global HR Director at Aiimi, and Richard Kennell, a co-founder of SOFEA.
Gayle Fothergill represented Milton Keynes City Council. Simon Green, CEO of YMCA South Midlands, and Amy Langford, Group Director of Inclusion at MK College, also contributed their insights during the sessions.
The discussions highlighted a shared commitment among attendees to address the challenges faced by young people at risk of disconnection from educational and employment pathways. This collaborative spirit is vital for the city’s future.
It was recognised that Milton Keynes is well-positioned to create positive change. The alignment of efforts between educational institutions, charities, local government bodies, and corporate partners is crucial. This collective approach aims to ensure no young person in the city is overlooked or left behind in their development.
This story is based on reporting by MKFM. Read the original coverage: MKFM