Somerset shop supporting young people into employment opens

A new charity shop, which aims to help young people who face barriers getting into employment, has opened.

Run by charity Young Somerset, the new Bold and Brave store in Angel Place Shopping Centre, Bridgwater, will help train 14-25-year-olds in retail, hospitality and entrepreneurship.

The charity, which has also relocated its Taunton store to the town’s Independent Quarter, supports young people with a range of issues, including alternative education and mental health provision.

The chief executive of Young Somerset, Nik Harwood, said the charity allows young people to pick up qualifications and “absolutely transform their lives”.

Mr Harwood said when they first started working with one particular young person, she had not spoken in public for two years.

“Within about six weeks of working with us and other young people in this safe environment, inclusive environment and supportive environment, she stood up in a room of about 60 people and told her story,” he said.

Lottie, who has been an intern with Young Somerset for the past two months, said she had been enjoying the work.

She said while it was a “big step” she had been “supported through the whole journey”.

“There’s [a] variety of things you can do and many places to build up your confidence and develop your skillset,” added Lottie.

“It’s mainly focused around like retail and hospitality, but there’s many jobs around the day.”

Martin Strauss, the mayor of Taunton, opened the newly relocated shop in Riverside Place, and said the charity did “wonderful work” with young people with learning difficulties.

“It is very hard for them to get employment,” he said.

“With the work that Bold and Brave do by employing young people in their café, in the library and giving them basic skills, many of them then are able to go on to careers in the wider hospitality world, which I think is wonderful,” he added.