A youth project to help young people out of unemployment in west London has received a £20,000 grant from the Heathrow Community Fund.

The Springboard charity programme which is due to begin in January next year is aimed at helping 18 to 25-year-olds living near Heathrow in Hounslow, Hillingdon, Ealing and Slough.

The Hospitality in Heathrow scheme has been set up to help youngsters out of poverty and homelessness by providing them with employability skills, guidance on job searching and work experience opportunities with the view to secure a job.

Once in employment, there will be a six month aftercare mentoring service to ensure a young person is supported until he/she has settled into the role.

Dee Smith, programmes director, The Springboard Charity, said: “This programme will have a direct and lasting impact on the young people involved.

"It will educate, inspire and provide vital skills to help rebuild their lives and improve economic regeneration in the Heathrow area.”

The organisation was awarded the donation under Heathrow Community Fund’s communities for youth grants programme.