Young Solutions’ Shape Up for Work project has now completed its second set of sessions in Kidderminster and is now making plans to offer its third programme in south Worcestershire. The Kidderminster sessions have involved working with a number of unemployed young people from the Wyre Forest area and it is clear that many unemployed young people are maintaining some level of fitness through walking, skateboarding and cycling. One young person from Kidderminster spoke of how they had cycled from Kidderminster to Stourport at 5 a.m. each morning to work in a supermarket. Another young person said that walking their dog and having a vegan-based diet had helped maintain their health and fitness. Another young person remarked that unemployment can cause a lot of anxiety, especially about money, and keeping fit helped them have a more balanced outlook. Shape Up for Work has discovered that despite finding ways to keep fit, some young unemployed people are encountering issues surrounding their motivation. This is not surprising, but it did affect some young people’s participation in the project.

Shape Up for Work is designed to support young unemployed people with their fitness, build their confidence and help them into work. The project is supported by the Big Lottery and the third set of sessions will commence in September. The venue is to be announced during the summer.