Project Flourish, created in collaboration with Hays, a globally recognised recruitment and workforce solutions provider, is the first pro-bono recruitment service of its kind. It is specifically designed to help young people at risk of homelessness into jobs that will transform their lives.

We consistently noticed that young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness were at a disadvantage in the jobs market. Typical recruitment processes make it hard, if not nearly impossible, for them to compete with their housed peers. With the belief that a good job is the surest route out of homelessness, and the certainty that every young person can thrive if given the right support at the right time, we knew we needed to find a better way to support homeless young people into employment.

Project Flourish combines Hays’ recruitment expertise and employer networks, with EveryYouth’s Network of Delivery Partners and access to young people experiencing homelessness, to create a truly ground-breaking project.

Participating young people are provided with comprehensive support as they transition to employment and independent living, and employers are given guidance on how to make recruitment practices and work place environments more inclusive so that young people can thrive.

Every Project Flourish employer is required to take part in an ‘Employer Awareness Session’ designed around principles from PIE (psychologically informed environment), to make sure their workplace culture becomes one where a young person can thrive. As well as adapting recruitment practises, each young person is set up with a mentor in their workplace.

Young people participating in Project Flourish are provided with a comprehensive package of bespoke support; from offering financial and pastoral care to mentorship and upskilling provided through a bursary scheme and a dedicated Hays Learning management platform providing free online support for health & wellbeing, training, skills and qualifications as they transition to employment and independent living.