A PROJECT has been granted £360,000 to help arrest the growing rate of youth unemployment in Darlington.

An estimated 300 people aged from 16 to 25 will benefit from the scheme over the next three years, as the YMCA looks to get young people ready for the workplace.

Plans have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council to convert a shop in Tubwell Row, in the centre of the town, where the Options programme will be based.

If permission is granted, the premises would be converted into a drop-in centre, IT suite, and community meeting rooms.

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of the council’s planning committee at a date to be fixed, but the programme has begun in the YMCA’s other Darlington premises regardless of the decision.

Six members of staff have been employed to run the programme, which is now open to applicants.

Graham Gannaway, chief executive of YMCA Tees Valley, said the programme had come along at the right time to tackle the effects of the recession.

Nationally, the latest employment figures put the number of adults under 25 who are out of work at 951,000.

He said: “There is a very clear need for this programme, with a large group of young people who are not in employment, education or training.

“They need this little bit of extra support and guidance.”

The programme is split into three parts which can be tailored to suit the individual’s needs: 􀁥 IT and business training – accredited qualifications will be offered to those taking part in this training, which is aimed at making them more employable; 􀁥 Volunteering – a range of volunteering opportunities will be offered to participants.

Roles include with the Durham Wildlife Trust and helping to form youth action teams where young people decide how to address a particular need in the community; 􀁥 Life skills – participants will be given literacy and numeracy lessons, with accredited qualifications on offer.

Mentoring will be offered to all participants.

Sarah Hackett, of the YMCA, said: “This is really exciting for young people. I don’t think it could be better timed.”

The Big Lottery Fund provided the grant, which will keep the Options programme in operation for three years.

To register an interest, call Helen Jeffrey, YMCA team leader, on 07739-339491.