The Local Empowerment Network and Life of a Tree
The Local Empowerment Network (LEN) is a group of local businesses in Walworth working to tackle and address youth unemployment. Life of a Tree is an apprenticeship programme run by Femi, a local business owner. The programme is aimed at upskilling young people with the relevant practical skills for their future careers. It is also aimed at encouraging these young people into a career of potential self-employment. LEN initially received funding in 2021 and then again in 2023 as a part of continuation funding offering.
Why did you think your project was important to address health and wellbeing in your community?
”Youth unemployment within the UK is a considerable issue with the impact of Covid-19 and cost of living crisis has exacerbating the issue. Many young people face unemployment despite bringing relevant skills and attending higher education. In the workshops run by Femi, participants gain essential skills such as communication, project management, entrepreneurship which are crucial for success in todays job market. It is also about creating a community and network that is beneficial for me (a project organiser).”
What's something that's surprised you in this process?
”Nothing particularly surprising, but I was significantly impressed with the key outcomes achieved as a result of the programme. For example:
Some participants secured employment opportunities or internships, while others gained confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial ventures.
Five of the participants are still employed full time by two of the three businesses involved in the LEN program: Life of a Tree, Health and Holistics, and The Union Black.
The project greatly helped attract and retain young people who wanted to work in the entrepreneurial sector, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in addressing the needs and interests of the target audience.”
What change would you like to see so that more people can be empowered to make decisions on the issues that affect them?
”This change has very much been inspired by what participants have shared with me. t's worth noting that providing the youth with a high wage and access to amazing and attractive trainers was key to inspiring the participants. They could see firsthand that this level of success is attainable, which motivated them to strive for their own achievements. This was really key in showing participants that achieving and attaining a good income / job is possible. Also it’s about creating that positive network - as a result of the success of the LEN project many other businesses are keen to run similar programmes.”
What’s next?
”Looking ahead, we aspire to formalise the Local Empowerment Network (LEN) as a Community Interest Company (CIC) to further solidify our commitment to serving the community.”
Follow the Local Empowerment Network on Instagram.
