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A Bristol-based social enterprise that supports young people from ethnic minority and low-income backgrounds has launched a fundraising appeal to address "the worsening youth unemployment crisis".

Babbasa said funds raised through the CloseTheGap campaign would be used to deliver youth support programmes, including skills training, workshops and mentoring.

According to the ONS, there were 643,000 young people in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ, aged 16 to 24, who were unemployed between December 2024 and February 2025 - 105,000 more than the previous year.

Latest Bristol City Council statistics show that 4.4% of 16 to 17 year olds in Bristol are not in education, employment or training (NEET) and 2.2% are current situation not known (CSNK). In total, this is 6.6%, which is higher than the national average (5.4%).

Poku Osei, founder of Babbasa, said: “For over 13 years, Babbasa has been evolving our support for disadvantaged young people, and has empowered more than 4,300 of Bristol’s youth to overcome barriers and access meaningful work. But we know we must do more."

Babbasa has launched a long-term strategy - dubbed OurCity2030 - with the aim of supporting 2,030 young people into meaningful careers by 2030.

"To achieve our OurCity2030 vision.... by the end of the decade, we need the city’s collective support and invite everyone to give what they can," added Mr Osei.

Hava Ibraim, Babbasa support programme participant, said: “Growing up in Bristol, I felt it was a diverse city but there are still barriers and stereotypes which have prevented me and my friends from progressing.

'I urge everyone to support this appeal'

"With Babbasa’s help, I have gained the confidence to pursue my interests through education and build a clearer plan for my future. Their one-to-one support and understanding of young people’s circumstances helped me view education and work as positive things which are open to me.

"I urge everyone to support this appeal so that Babbasa can continue to have this impact for more young people.�

Sangeetha Wynter, head of services at Babbasa, added: “Young people in our city are facing a crisis which demands urgent action.

"Too many are being locked out of opportunity through no fault of their own – especially those from disadvantaged communities. At Babbasa, we see the potential in every young person, but we urgently need more support to help them realise it.�

Babbasa said one-off and monthly donations would be "welcomed" and organisations interested in fundraising and partnerships should contact the organisation directly to discuss.

To donate, visit https://localgiving.org/Babbasa-CloseTheGap