The Larder are Shortlisted for our Work in Youth Employability

The Larder joins two other organisations in the shortlist for SURF Awards in the Support Youth Employability category. We are honoured to be joined by Eat, Sleep, Ride CIC and Move On: Employability Fund in our category.

SURF’s annual awards process is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government and is open to all community regeneration projects in Scotland. These awards recognise and reward best practice and innovation in community regeneration; promote and disseminate best practice as well as highlighting the role that regeneration has in improving the wellbeing of individuals and communities in Scotland.

We have been chosen as our services successfully support people into employment and make a valuable contribution to the regeneration of places with social and economic challenges. Our projects remove barriers for young people and support those from excluded groups into employment, training or education. Despite the additional barriers that Covid-19 brought, we continued to support and remained dynamic and innovative in our responses.

For example, Mirhan joined The Larder as a trainee, became a member of staff, won the SDS Hospitality Level 5 apprentice of the year before moving on to become a Commis Chef at one of Edinburgh’s top restaurants.  Mirhan said: “The Larder became my family and supported me until I was able to go out on my own”.

We believe in people and their ability to reach their full potential given the right time, space and support. We understand that trauma and circumstance can influence behaviour and attitudes, so provide wrap around support for every young person that needs it. Since our establishment, The Larder has supported over 1000 young people through our training programmes with 85% gaining qualifications, 73% moving into a positive destination and 100% feeling more confident.

Angela Moohan, CEO, The Larder said: “Being shortlisted for the Surf Awards is an amazing achievement for the Larder and the team, this recognition provides tangible creditability of the amazing work around employability that goes on and providing our young people pathways to positive destinations to achieve fulfilling long term employment. This nomination will allow The Larder to engage with more potential industries and partners to increase the range of opportunities that we can offer in the future while increasing the profile of the amazing work that goes on by an incredibly dedicated team.”

Garry Walker, Training Manager, The Larder said: “Our team are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this Award. The past 18 months has been hard for everyone, but even more so for young people trying to enter the job market at an exceptionally competitive time. It has been a real team effort, not only to move delivery online but to continue engaging with local employers and supporting both ourselves and our youth people’s health and wellbeing. We are truly honoured to be recognised for this effort!”

To find out more about The Larder’s services, you can head to our social media pages @LarderTraining. You can also check out the other shortlisted organisations by heading to https://www.surf.scot/surf-awards/