A Place-Based Approach to Tackling Youth Unemployment
Since 2021, The Rank Foundation has contributed to a place-based response to youth unemployment in Blackpool.
Initially focusing on the ward of Claremont and funding Engage 4 Change, a National Lottery Community Fund grant extended the initiative across three more wards for three years to 2025.
Building Strong Collaborative Partnerships
As with all our place-based investments, we identified a local leader to drive the work on the ground.
In Blackpool, Rank’s Associate Director, Richard Marsh, has played a vital role in embedding this work, encouraging collaboration, and shaping the local response to youth unemployment.
Richard brought together multi-agency teams from five partner organisations – now all part of Rank’s Network – creating lasting connections that will continue beyond this initiative. While Richard steps down at the end of March, the partnerships he helped build will continue, strengthening Blackpool’s VCSE sector and its ability to tackle challenges.
Mike Crowther, Empowerment‘s CEO said:
“I have spent much of my adult life working in Blackpool to change the lives of others for the better. In a town where it is all too easy to fall into despair and question whether anything can truly change, I constantly seek out allies who demonstrate passion, commitment, and a steadfast belief that together we can transform lives.
For me, Richard Marsh personifies this spirit. He has worked tirelessly to listen to the genuine needs and aspirations of local youth and has forged an impressive collaboration of partner agencies.
Richard’s legacy in Blackpool is a powerful reminder that change is possible when we work together, set aside our differences, and give fresh hope to our young people.”
Informed Decision-Making to Change the Local System
The partnership approach – which included local young people – has meant youth unemployment responses in Blackpool have been better informed, with shared insights shaping local policy and provision.
Historically, there was a disconnect between what young people said they wanted and the solutions on offer from local agencies. The partnership bucked that trend by working to understand what was preventing them from accessing employment, education or training and asking them what solutions they would like.
Working at a micro (ward) level, and focusing on young people aged 18-25, we’ve been able to highlight what works for those furthest from the labour market, as well as the gaps in employment pathways.
One young person said:
“The support and guidance has made a great difference to my overall mental health as it’s not been easy to motivate myself and I’ve really struggled with anxiety. The Engage4Change team have been consistent, regular and non-judgmental and have supported me with getting my own flat as well as becoming more physically fit with boxing. With their support, I’m looking at returning to education or finding a job.”
Ongoing Connection and Legacy
Rank’s engagement in Blackpool does not end here.
Our support continues through ongoing partnerships and the involvement of local organisations in Rank’s thriving Network of social sector leaders.
The relationships and learning from the work in Blackpool will continue to inform Rank’s place-based approach across the UK.
Rank Foundation’s CEO, David Sanderson said:
“Richard may be moving on from his role, but his impact in Blackpool is here to stay – through the strong partnerships he’s built and the local organisations he’ll continue to support as a volunteer.
We’re grateful for his dedication and leadership, and we look forward to staying connected with our partners in Blackpool through the Network.”
The Rank Foundation is currently invested in Dundee, Plymouth and Sunderland. Find out more about our place-based philanthropy here: https://rankfoundation.com/where-we-work/