Working Denbighshire, in collaboration with Denbighshire Youth Services, Education Services and the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework, launched a Summer Transition Programme earlier this year to support Year 11 leavers moving into further education.
This initiative provided targeted guidance and essential resources to young people facing challenges such as bullying, mental health struggles, and disengagement from schooling.
The programme enrolled 26 participants identified as being at risk of not progressing due to personal and financial barriers. Weekly sessions focused on helping them transition smoothly into their next step by offering mental health support, transition planning, and guidance on securing essential items like college kits and opening bank accounts.
Working Denbighshire’s well-being team, Barod, played a critical role in addressing financial barriers, ensuring that students had everything they needed for their courses. Of the 26 participants, 23 received financial aid for course materials, while 21 were granted laptops and headphones to support their studies as a result of a collaboration with Cwmpas.
Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said:
“I’m delighted to see the positive impact the Summer Transition Programme has had on our young people. Ensuring they have the right support to transition smoothly into further education is essential, especially for those facing barriers.
This initiative is a prime example of how collaborative working can create real, lasting change in our community.
I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved and wish all participants continued success in their education and future careers.”
Melanie Evans, Principal Strategic Employment Manager said:
“I am extremely proud of the support that the Council’s Working Denbighshire service has been able to provide.
Partnership working is the corner stone of our approach and these remarkable results demonstrate how powerful collaboration is for the benefit of our young people.
The impact of this support will have a legacy for years to come not just for the individuals supported but also their friends and family given the knowledge and experience that they will be sharing.
We are wishing them all the best in their future education, I hope they make the most of what is on offer to them now and when they complete their studies, our door is always open to help them progress into the careers of their dreams.”
One of the programme’s highlights was the sense of community and support built among the young people. Many participants had been isolated and out of school for long periods, but the sessions helped them form friendships and build confidence in a safe and supportive space.
The success of the programme is reflected in the participants’ commitment to further education. An impressive 35% of students achieved 100% attendance, and 78% of the students achieved attendance above 80%, showing how vital this summer support was in keeping them engaged and motivated.
Sian Morgan, Engagement and Progression Manager, said:
“The Summer Transition Programme for our Year 11 leavers has been a great success. It is fantastic to see the partnership between Education Services, Youth Services, and Barod, working to support learners on their journey into further education. We are already looking forward to building on this success next year with earlier intervention and longer transition support.”
This programme is a powerful model for future efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable young people in continuing their education.
Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment.
Working Denbighshire is part funded by UK government.
