Neat solutions to the issue of Neets

Young people who are Neet at this important transition stage are more likely to earn lower incomes later in life than their peers and have a greater chance of being involved in crime. The government is committed to raising the education-leaving age to 18 from 2015 - but reforming the requirements for young people is only part of the solution. To ensure young people participate fully, they must be inspired to play an active role for themselves and their own future.

The Youth First project has been developed by Carmarthenshire County Council, YWCA Llanelli and other local community organisations and aims to engage, motivate and challenge young people. The project offers a range of innovative and flexible packages of activities that are geared towards boosting personal development and enabling young people to play a full part in society. A youth information scheme provides free access to advice across the county, which can be accessed in schools and youth centres, but also in rural locations and via detached youth workers on the streets.