The Fairer Futures Programme – Creating employment opportunities for young people in the West Midlands

Youth unemployment is on the rise in the UK, and the West Midlands is feeling the effects. In Walsall, where Your Co-op has traded since 1886, almost 9.2% of the population are claiming benefits compared to 5% across the UK, and 22% of 16–64-year-olds are classed as economically inactive. 

The Fairer Futures Programme was launched as a groundbreaking collaboration between Your Co-op and social enterprise Miss Macaroon to tackle this challenge, and help local young people overcome barriers to employment. 

Working together with local employers, The Fairer Futures Programme aims to help create opportunities to transform and empower the lives of young people who are facing challenges in finding long-term employment. These can range from overcoming social anxiety, the impact of disability or ill health, having spent time in prison, or issues around childcare. 

The Fairer Futures Programme is designed to reach and engage young people in Walsall aged 18-30 who are facing barriers to securing employment opportunities. 

Operating from the Your Co-op Food store in Walsall, the programme offers a transformative 9–12-week journey. 

The programme is focused on holistic people-development, with the aim of preparing candidates for a happy, fulfilling working life no matter what path their career should end up taking – from equipping participants with practical, transferable skills and hands-on experience, to instilling confidence and self-belief amongst like-minded young people through well-being workshops and 121 counselling. 

Post-programme, graduates receive six months of tailored support, including a dynamic job club, fostering a resilient community ready for sustained success. 

With a focus on personalised development and real-world experience, and support from local employers, The Fairer Futures Programme stands as a beacon of hope, propelling individuals toward brighter, more fulfilling futures in Walsall and beyond. 

Click to learn more about the Fairer Futures Programme if you are an EmployerClick to learn more about Fairer Futures Programme if you are a Young Person
Click to learn more about the Fairer Futures Programme if you are a Referral Agency

The Fairer Futures Programme

  • The Fairer Futures Programme

  • "Confidence is the biggest skill I've gained from The Fairer Futures Programme and the ability to lead on things that you can confidently say you know how to do."

  • Emma Purchas has worked at Walsall Your Co-op Food store since 2022: "I've felt so proud seeing how much our graduates grow in confidence and ability from the start of the programme to the end. In most cases they're completely transformed. They started quite shy and unsure and suddenly they're full of confidence, talkative and comfortable at work. It's really wonderful to see and be a part of."

  • Dayle Jones has worked at Walsall Your Co-op Food store since 2015: "Businesses know how hard it can be for people to move into jobs. So, to have schemes like this at the ready, to have people who are already trained in the job, with the support they have once they graduate as well, it's something that businesses shouldn't be missing out on. It's exactly what Midcounties look to do in terms of helping communities, so hopefully it continues to grow."

  • The skills the programme has taught me have been invaluable. I, like everyone on the programme, have received help at a level that reflects both my experience and confidence. Having people in the cohort with similar experiences has been eye opening. You realise you're not alone."