CEO Ali Wheeler invited to The Centre for Social Justice for speech on Welfare Reform.

We were delighted that our CEO Ali Wheeler was invited to the The Centre for Social Justice today to hear a keynote speech by the Prime Minister on Welfare Reform.

As a charity working with young people who have fallen through the gaps, supporting them into employment, education or training and independent lives is vital to enable many of them to leave the benefits system. Being a member of the CSJ, and the work it does to bring together the voices of many charities and organisations to influence and advocate for social justice in all Government policies and action, is key to the success and sustainability of the work we do.

Our CEO said, ‘Hearing from the Prime Minster this morning and his 5 pillar approach to welfare reform was really interesting, there are so many challenges that we support young people with to enable them to navigate the welfare system. Supporting amazing young people who have talents, ambitions, skills and opportunities into work has to be the priority for any Government, prioritising how we support those that have fallen through the gaps of opportunities that many of us often take for granted is vital’.

‘What I was particularly encouraged by was when he said, ‘Work is a chance to earn money, contribute, belong and overcome isolation and loneliness’. This is something that WeMindTheGap advocate for, work can provide a place of ‘Belonging, Structure and Purpose’ for a young person, something which over 50% of young people told us is missing in their lives through our ‘Big Conversation’ research.

Photo credit to The Centre for Social Justice.