There is a fantastic local charity called Resurgo Spear which helps the young unemployed find work. They have helped 4,000. Here is the story from just one of them:

Joe: “When I was 20 I weighed 23 stone. I was staying at home all the time and lying in bed until two in the afternoon. I really hated myself and what I’d become. Six months ago my my older brother told me straight to my face, “I wouldn’t employ you.” He is quite successful so that really broke my heart.

“I knew a change had to come. I’d never worked before and had no idea how to get a job. I went to the job centre and they handed me a Spear leaflet. It went straight to the bottom of the pile. I didn’t think it was for me. But a week later I got a phone call from Sam, who is the centre manager at Hammersmith, and he told me to come to see him for a chat. Just the thought that someone wanted me to come out of the house to meet them really helped me.

“Spear helped boost my confidence and think about what I wanted to do with my life. I hadn’t been out of the house for so long that I didn’t know where to start. I learnt about having a long-term mindset and the importance of communicating well, and I’m motivated now. Spear was definitely right for me and the programme gave me a positive mindset going in to work, as well as the skills to actually apply for jobs and be successful at interview.

“I started to go on a diet and six months later I’ve lost almost six stone. I’m now working as a Brand Promoter at Heathrow Airport. My family, including my brother, are all really proud of me now.”

One way to help this charity is with money. Another is with your time. For instance by becoming A mock interviewer:

“Mock Interviews are a key part of the Spear programme. Many young people on Spear have never had an interview before, so it’s a crucial experience to practise. Mock interviewers are volunteers from the local community – some are from businesses and others are individuals.

“The sessions take place every six weeks or so on a Friday afternoon from 3 – 5pm. Volunteers are welcome every time or as a one-off. A full briefing is given beforehand, though it helps if you have some experience of interviewing.”