Alice House Hospice is proud to be playing its part in helping to give young people a chance of employment.
The Hartlepool hospice’s commitment to the local community has been further strengthened by investing in the next generation, taking on 11 young people as part of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme.
Alice House employs the Trailblazers, aged between 18-21, who are working across a variety of vital Hospice departments, including the kitchen, retail shops, domestic services and the data governance team, with the paid placements running until March 2026.
The Trailblazer scheme, which the Tees Valley is one of only eight areas in the country to run, is a major training and employment programme backed by up to £5m of Government funding.
Robert Barker, aged 21, was the first Trailblazer to join the Hospice's domestic team. He said: “I have taken part in placements in the past, but the Trailblazer scheme has enabled me to work at the Hospice, which is a warm and friendly environment.
“From the moment I came to work here, I was treated with respect and dignity. This placement has helped reaffirm my skills, build confidence and allowed me to focus on what I enjoy.
“I have also learned more about Hospice care and the difference it makes to the local community.”
The programme is designed to unlock young people’s potential and help them build a career. It targets young people aged 18-21 who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET).
It includes structured, paid work placements for three or six months to gain experience and skills, a dedicated key worker providing support and help to access further opportunities. Grants are also available to support with essential IT equipment, internet connections, as well as additional training and qualifications.
The initiative is being funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority via the UK Government, managed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and delivered locally by Hartlepool Borough Council.
For Alice House Hospice, the programme is a core part of its mission to give back to a community that shows such generosity towards its work all year round.
Nicky Haggan, co-chief executive at Alice House, said: “Robert has been a credit to himself and the programme since the start, and it has been fantastic for us to give more people opportunities since.
“The Hospice is proud to be providing opportunities for young people to get into work and to develop skills and confidence in areas that they may not have thought they had.
“As a charity, we pride ourselves in connecting with the local community, and our work obviously supports the community all year round, so to also provide life chances through this programme has been fantastic for everyone.
“It is a way of supporting the town’s young people by helping them build experience, confidence and workplace skills in a nurturing environment.
“It is also a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of Hospice care with young people.”
The placement of 11 young people across departments, including Robert in the domestic team where he is ensuring the Hospice is clean, safe and tidy, demonstrates the benefits to both the individuals and the Hospice’s operational team.
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "We are delighted to be working with Alice House Hospice to provide these fantastic opportunities for our young people. These high‑quality placements give them the skills, confidence and experience they need to boost their employment prospects and build brighter futures.
"This is what making a difference looks like in our community and it’s another brilliant example of how we are rebuilding confidence and pride in our town.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “The Trailblazer has already had some brilliant results across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and it’s great to see Robert and all our young people supporting the crucial work Alice House does.
“The skills so many of our trailblazers have picked up will serve them well into their careers, and will make securing long-term jobs that much easier.”
Young people can find more information about the programme and sign up on the Tees Valley Youth Trailblazer page.
Businesses can find information about offering a placement and sign up on the Tees Valley information page.
Read the Youth Trailblazer FAQs.