We’re proud to announce that Get Set UK has been awarded the Essex County Council Work Ready Service for young people experiencing mental illness, which we will deliver as 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘅.

This three-year contract, launching from March 2026, will support young people aged 16-26 across Essex who are not in education, employment or training, helping them take positive steps towards learning, skills development and paid work, with the right mental health support in place.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘅 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁.

This is a true 𝗰𝗼-𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲, shaped alongside the young people it will support. From service design through to delivery, young adults will play an active role in influencing how the programme looks, feels and operates. This ensures the support reflects real experiences, real needs and real ambitions.

Through Next Steps Essex, young people will receive personalised one-to-one support to help them move forward, including:

• Building confidence, resilience and motivation
• Developing essential life skills such as time management, organisation and budgeting
• Exploring career goals and creating realistic plans for the future
• Accessing education, training and employment opportunities
• Connecting with community services and wider support networks
• Ongoing support to sustain progress and achieve long-term outcomes

By combining tailored support with genuine co-production, Next Steps Essex will empower young people not only to access opportunities, but to shape their own journey and future.

Sally Howell, Operation Manager- East of England at Get Set UK, said:

“Next Steps Essex is built around co-production, giving young people across Essex a genuine voice in shaping the support they receive.

By listening to their experiences and working alongside them, we can create a service that is relevant, responsive and makes a meaningful difference in Essex communities, helping young people build confidence and take positive steps towards their future.”

We’re proud to be working in partnership with Essex County Council to deliver a service that puts young people at the centre, builds on their strengths and supports them to take their next steps with confidence.