The Island's new Youth Hub in Newport has helped 24 young people into employment.

The hub, developed in a partnership between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Isle of Wight Council, serves as a 'one-stop-shop' for 18-24-year-olds, who are on out-of-work benefits, offering essential employment skills support.

The Isle of Wight Youth Trust is tasked with delivering the Youth Hub, focusing on holistic well-being support to combat both practical and therapeutic challenges.

Cllr Julie Jones-Evans said: "The Youth Hub is a welcome addition to the Island for young people who need that extra bit of support and guidance with entering the world of work."

A Skills Builder course targets areas such as anxiety, confidence, and resilience.

A grant of over £90,000 from DWP to the Isle of Wight Council is set to fund the Youth Hub over a 12-month period.

This includes hiring a youth employment supervisor and a youth employment advisor, with a DWP-assigned work coach based on site.

In a short time, the hub has welcomed 120 young people.

Paul Rogers of Isle of Wight Jobcentres said: "Youth Hubs recognise the challenges faced by young people and bring a range of colleges, charities, training providers and local councils under one roof."