Catch 22 is about creating opportunities for young people aged 16 – 25 living in the Sandwell Borough. The objective of the Creating Opportunities Forum is to empower and support young people at risk of serious violence, to be able to access employment-related opportunities and help them develop the skills they need to make a successful transition into work.
In its role, the national provider will deliver wraparound support to the young people participating in the programme, to ensure they are able to engage with and benefit from the employment-related opportunities on offer. The national provider will also be responsible for finding employability-related and skills-based opportunities for participants. This is done by using its links with local and national businesses in the 12 geographical areas which have been selected by the Home Office, and pairing participants with suitable opportunities.
The Supplier may avail any opportunities made available by the COF or seek to leverage the networks created by other government programmes such as through the Inclusive Economy Partnership’s Transition to Work programme. The COF programme will run until the end of March 2023.
Hayley Shattock, The Employability Coach for Catch 22, which also covers Birmingham and Wolverhampton, will engage with young people locally.
Hayley would welcome the chance to meet you and/or attend your meeting to provide more information, answer questions and discuss referral methods to the programme. Contact Hayley on 07768 025397 or email Hayley.shattock@catch-22.org.uk
Community Foundation, in partnership with other European countries, is taking part in a 10 days trip to Greece. Community Foundation will be taking participants aged 18-30 years old from the UK to join other participants from eight European countries, to take part in the Digital Transformation Youth Exchange. 
Twenty twenty one was a difficult year for many of us and brought many challenges and changes to organisations and groups delivering activities for children and young people across the borough. A great job has been done by all in supporting children and families, rising to challenges and being committed to ensuring that the needs of young people and families in Sandwell are being met as best as possible.
Without Shape Without Form is an arts organisation that explores the mind and wellbeing. Without Shape Without Form is a touring exhibition – Journey of the Mind @The Library of Birmingham until the 4th December. 
Princes trust Smethwick have completed another successful Team Programme and are recruiting for our next one due to start the 6th December 2021.