The Trailblazer programme provides support for 18–25-year-olds who are economically inactive and experiencing mental health challenges.
We offer free, personalised 1:1 support throughout our motivational coach and inhouse counsellor to help young people break down barriers, build confidence, set goals, and take their next steps, whether that’s employment, training, volunteering, or simply exploring what’s next in life for them.
We know young people can face additional challenges with mental health, isolation, or navigating services, and we’re looking to support them at their own pace and in a non-pressurised way.
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
To make a referral, please contact emily.howard@learningpartnerships.org.uk
Participant A joined the Trailblazer programme in October 2025 as a NEET young person experiencing significant anxiety. He initially described himself as a gaming addict and reported feeling safest within a make-believe gaming world. As we worked together and built some trust he divulged in more detail how he didn’t actually want to come out of this world as he had control and felt emotional safety. In contrast, the reality of work, training, and social expectations felt overwhelming, leading to avoidance.
At the start of the engagement Participant A was resistant to counselling and formal support, expressing discomfort with discussing his emotions and low trust in services. Over a three-month period, support focused on building a safe, non-judgemental relationship and helping Participant A explore how gaming functions as a comping mechanism for anxiety, while also limiting engagement with the real world.
A significant milestone was when the young person independently arranged a trip out with staff, demonstrating increased confidence, planning skills, and willingness to step outside his comfort zone. In the last two weeks of support, Participant A has agreed to engage in counselling, representing a major progression from initial resistance and indicating increased trust, self-awareness, and readiness to accept additional support.
He is now beginning to reflect on how the sense of safety and achievement found in gaming could be gradually transferred into real-world settings such as work or training.
Impact Summary
Office Number: 0113 8245414
Community Learning Partnerships, The Burton Business Park, Hudson Road, Harehills, Leeds, LS6 6DJ
Registered in England No. 02628224, Charity No. 1003603
We are a Disability Confident Employer, and a Mindful Employer
