Our commitment to both mental health and employability is also reflected in the funding provided to the Katherine Low Settlement (KLS). This pilot project will enable KLS to support 35 young refugees in Battersea with sessions designed to respond to both issues.

Katherine Low Settlement (KLS) has been running community activities in the heart of Battersea since 1924. For the past 16 years the ‘Love to Learn’ programme has provided a range of educational services and support for young people from refugee backgrounds. The team liaises with schools, social services, other community organisations and service providers to ensure that families access appropriate and targeted support for their needs.

Over the past few months KLS has seen a growing need amongst young people aged 16+ for support with mental wellbeing and employability skills. This project will offer a series of sessions specifically designed to respond to these issues. Sessions will cover: next steps, pathways and goal setting; personal strengths and weaknesses; the development of a personal goal statement; personal hygiene; benefits of healthy eating and exercise; positive relationships; personal safety; and personal finance. By supporting young people with their personal health and wellbeing and building employability skills, the project will enable them to improve their confidence, raise aspirations and allow them to positively engage with learning. It is hoped that the pilot will feed into a longer-term programme.