CHILDREN'S charity Barnardo’s has launched a new support service for unemployed young people in Halesowen.

Second Chance aims to boost job prospects and staff from the charity’s Employment, Training and Skills (ETS) service will encourage young people to improve their qualifications and help them with interview skills and work experience.

The scheme is available to 18 to 24-year-olds who have been unemployed for at least six months and offers a series of financial rewards and incentives.

Barnardo’s team manager Lucy Vincent leads the ETS service.

She said: “The aim of Second Chance is to find employment within the 12 week programme.

“We understand that some young people need flexible and individually-tailored support, and sometimes this can include tackling a wide range of other issues as well.

“We expect a minimum commitment of 15 hours a week but in return we offer paid travel expenses, support with obtaining work clothes, and financial rewards for improving maths and English, and for finding and staying in work.”

Aside from the tutoring, Barnardo’s also offers team-building activities, careers advice, help with CVs and jobhunting, and mock interviews with real employers.

Staff can also signpost young people to some of the charity’s other support services if needed.

Mrs Vincent added: “It’s an intensive programme but it’s been specially designed to boost the prospects of young people who have struggled to succeed through more mainstream methods.

“We hope it will give them the confidence to fulfil their potential.”

For more information phone Barnado's 0121 504 2429.