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Three young people have been helped into full-time work with a further 13 getting placements thanks to an inclusion scheme launched in Caerphilly last year.

The Virtual Inclusion Programme, set up by Caerphilly-based youth training firm GoConnect, supported 65 people who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic – such as those struggling to find a job and those with poor mental health.

The scheme targeted people in rural parts of Caerphilly County Borough and Blaenau Gwent, in a bid to help build confidence and self-esteem. Activities were focused on digital literacy, creativity and employability.

Many of the activities, which ran throughout early 2021, used gaming to engage those taking part and to boost their social interaction skills, particularly during lockdowns.

GoConnect’s founder and director, Alun Prosser, said: “A lot of the demographic we try to reach are more comfortable in an online environment or doing activities they’re familiar with and confident in, and the gaming sessions were extremely popular throughout the project.

“Not only do participants have a lot of fun, but the potential to hone teamwork, communication and problem solving skills means they come out of it a lot more employable too.

“Many of those taking part even stay on with us to volunteer or gain experience working on other projects, amongst numerous others who go on to pursue work opportunities in other places – which is a promising sign that we’re achieving our objectives.”

Mr Prosser continued: “Many young job seekers with low self-esteem feel really anxious about going to their local job centre or putting themselves out there in social settings. We aim to act as a stepping stone so no one feels they have to make a giant leap into the wider world if they’re not ready for it – it can make a huge difference knowing that there’s somewhere informal and welcoming for people to come and feel supported, and it makes people much more likely to get involved.”

GoConnect is based at the Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise (Welsh ICE) on Caerphilly Business Park, and was able to refer participants to Welsh ICE’s 5-9 Club – an after-hours programme aimed at helping people who are looking to launch their own businesses.

The project was supported by the Cwm a Mynydd Local Action Group’s Rural Development Programme, an initiative delivered as part of the Welsh Government’s Rural Communities: Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, and funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development by the European Union and Welsh Government.