Solihull’s Mayor, Councillor Sardul Marwa, joined young people at the first summer barbecue hosted by Hatchford Brook Family Hub, using the occasion to highlight local support for care-experienced young people and to meet employment advisers from a range of partner organisations.
Mayor meets young people and employment partners
The event offered attendees the chance to speak directly to employment support specialists and try creative activities such as crocheting. Mayor Marwa discussed with youngsters how services including the Best Start Family Hubs and Our Voice, Our Services (OVOS) have supported them during childhood and as they transition into adult life.
“It’s vital for us to provide them with accessible next steps towards employment, especially when it might be their first job,”
The Mayor also spoke with representatives from several organisations that had staffed the barbecue, providing information about local training, recruitment and community support.
- Employment and recruitment partners present included West Midlands Police, the Birmingham Airport Partnership and Solihull College and University Centre.
- Participants were able to explore practical next steps towards work and pick up new skills at informal activities.
- The Family Hub setting reinforced links between family support services and youth employability programmes.
Practical civic support and local impact
The gathering underlines the council’s focus on creating accessible pathways to employment for young people, particularly those who are care-experienced or have used council services. By bringing employers and training providers into a community setting, the initiative aims to lower barriers to first-job opportunities and early work experience.
| Service / Organisation | Role at event |
|---|---|
| Best Start Family Hubs | Ongoing family support and engagement |
| Our Voice, Our Services (OVOS) | Representation for care-experienced young people |
| West Midlands Police | Employment support and recruitment advice |
| Birmingham Airport Partnership | Information on employment pathways |
| Solihull College and University Centre | Training and further education options |
Those seeking more information about Family Hubs and upcoming events are directed to the council’s Family Hubs pages for details of future sessions and opportunities to engage with local providers.
The mayoral presence at a community-focused summer event demonstrates a hands-on approach to promoting youth services and employment links in Solihull, reinforcing the role of Family Hubs as a bridge between support services and practical steps towards independence for young people.
