Mid Ulster LMP Launches Second Year of Bounce Back Programme for Young People
Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership (LMP) has launched year two of the Bounce Back Wellbeing and Employability Programme - an innovative initiative supporting young people who are not currently engaged in education, employment, or training in the Mid Ulster area.
Funded by the Department for Communities (DfC), Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
Following a highly successful first year, the programme - delivered by Phoenix Education Centre CIC - continues its focus on improving mental health as a foundation for employability. Twenty places are available for participants who meet the following criteria: residents in the Mid Ulster District Council area, aged 18 to 24 years old, and, due to a mental health issue, currently unemployed or long-term unemployed, not in education or training, and/or economically inactive.
Councillor Frances Burton, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, said:
“It is encouraging to see this programme return for a second year, continuing to meet a very real need in our communities. Bounce Back gives young adults practical help and support at the moment they need it most. I would strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to get in touch and secure a place.”
The Bounce Back Programme, which is part funded by The Executive Office, provides targeted mental health support alongside practical tools and exercises to help young people overcome barriers to employment caused by conditions such as anxiety, depression, and neurodiverse conditions. By prioritising wellbeing, the programme helps participants rebuild confidence and move back toward work or education - creating meaningful opportunities for those most at risk of long-term unemployment.
A participant from last year’s programme said:
“Bounce Back was an incredible programme that not only allowed me to meet some pretty cool people but has also opened up so many possibilities for my future that I didn’t even know were possible… a supportive and fun group that I would highly recommend.”
Emma Shaw, Executive Director, Phoenix Education Centre CIC, said:
“We are proud to lead the second year of Bounce Back and to welcome another group of young people who deserve a fair chance to reset and move forward. When mental health is supported first, everything else becomes possible. This programme gives participants space, skills and belief to take those next steps at a pace that is right for them.”
If you think you, or a young adult you know, could benefit from this programme please contact the Bounce Back team by email: info@phoenixeducationcentreni.co.uk or phone 028 90680421 for more information or to register interest. Spaces are limited.