Young people took part in a Dragons’ Den-style event in Penrith to help them develop skills.
Eden Youth Hub hosted the event for 18 to 24-year-olds as part of the Dragon’s Apprentice programme. The participants are not in employment, education or training, and face multiple barriers to employment.
For the challenge two teams were formed and given £100 and the aim was to turn that into even more funds for their chosen charity.
They had 10 weeks to choose a charity, organise their team and try to make as much money as possible. At the end of the 10 weeks the teams were invited to meet the Super Dragons – Councillor Phil Dew, chair of Cumbria County Council`s Local Committee for Eden, David Allen, CEO of Cumbria CVS and Rebecca Wolstenholme, CEO of Cumbria Youth Alliance. The panel looked at their business plans, listened to the teams present their ideas and outcomes, and provided advice for the teams moving forward.
Eden Youth Worker, Kimberley Hall said: “Some of these young people have been isolated for over two years. This may be because of their rurality and/or their own mental health but either way, trying to move into employment or training when they have lost confidence in their abilities has been difficult. The Dragon’s Apprentice programme enabled them to come together in teams to support local charities whilst gaining essential employability skills.”
First up was Team JK Slam and their chosen charity was Mind. The team had decided to raise funds by designing and making a range of jewellery, small ornate boxes and greetings cards along with painted stone with inspirational messages. The items were sold at craft fairs and to family and friends.
Team Badges4Eden, chose charity 4Eden. They had invested their initial stake to purchase a badge making machine. They had then produced badges and sold these at a profit.
Mr Allen said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to be one of three dragons in the den at Eden Rural Foyer, meeting young people experiencing multiple challenges and learning about their experience of developing and delivering a business idea! It’s a great project and I’m looking forward to seeing it develop further across Cumbria.”
Coun Dew said: “I was really pleased to contribute to this project in Eden. The young people`s progression from the initial panel earlier this year to the delivery of their business ideas at the event was brilliant to see. It was especially pleasing to see how they had all grown in confidence, a great outcome.”
