This week, Henbrook House care home in St Neots celebrated the one-month anniversary of its newest receptionist, Apryl, joining the team – a talented young woman whose journey into work shows the difference that early intervention and support can make.
Like many young people, after leaving college, Apryl spent eight months not in education, employment or training, often referred to as ‘NEET’, and struggled to find work despite applying for jobs every day. Repeated setbacks began to impact her confidence and motivation, and she began to feel unsure where she might fit into adult life.
That changed when she was introduced to Inspire2Ignite, a Cambridgeshire-based youth organisation supporting young people outside formal education or employment. Through its employability programme, and later an internship with the organisation, Apryl rebuilt her confidence, strengthened her CV and eventually secured a full-time role at Henbrook House after applying for the vacancy on her own initiative.
During her time with Inspire2Ignite, Apryl developed practical skills in budgeting, goal setting, business planning and customer relationship management. Those skills have helped her hit the ground running at Henbrook House, where she has quickly become a valued part of the family.
Michael Zinaka, General Manager at Henbrook House, comments:
“Apryl has been a fantastic addition to the team who has really hit the ground running with residents, staff and families. Too often, talented young people like Apryl fall through the cracks because no one is willing to give them the chance they need to prove themselves. What Apryl’s story shows is that when someone is given the right support in the right environment, they can blow you away with what they can achieve.”
Apryl’s story speaks to a much larger trend in the UK, where youth inactivity has risen steadily in recent years. According to the Office for National Statistics, between January and March 2026 there were over 1m young people aged between 16 to 24 who were not in education, employment or training – equivalent to 13.5% of all young people in that age group.
The issue is being felt especially sharply across closer to home, with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority estimating that 14.2% of 16 to 24-year-olds across the region currently fall into the ‘NEET’ category. For context, this equates to more than 15,000 young people who have disengaged from the workforce and formal education entirely.
For Inspire2Ignite, the key to tackling this problem is practical, early interventions in young people’s lives which help them develop the skills and contacts they need to thrive. Since launching, the organisation has supported more than 15,000 young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough through entrepreneurial programmes, industry projects, internships and volunteering opportunities with local employers like Henbrook House.
Reflecting on her own path to success, Apryl says the kind of hands-on support she received made all the difference. Asked about what she would say to other young people who may feel stuck or unsure what to do, she said:
“It’s okay to feel stuck. A lot of people go through periods where they don’t know what comes next, and that doesn’t mean they won’t be successful. Traditional education isn’t the right path for everyone, and that’s completely okay. There are many different ways to achieve your goals and build a successful future. Don’t be afraid to take a different route if it’s the one that’s right for you. Most importantly, don’t give up on yourself. Keep looking for opportunities, ask for help when you need it, and remember that one chance can completely change your future.”
Sam Squire, CEO at Inspire2Ignite and a former NEET himself, shares his thoughts:
“Apryl’s story is a moving example of what can happen when young people receive the support they need before becoming stuck outside education or work long-term. Too often, the problem is not a lack of talent or ambition – it is that young people lack the confidence, clear routes forward, and opportunities to develop the skills they need to thrive. Our goal is to help reduce youth inactivity in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough from 14.2% to around 3% by 2030, matching the low levels seen in places like the Netherlands. We know this is ambitious, but Apryl’s journey shows that when young people are given practical support and a real opportunity, they can surpass every expectation.”
Henbrook House has developed a close working relationship with Inspire2Ignite, supporting the organisation through local activities, events and community projects. Young people from Inspire2Ignite regularly visit the home as part of entrepreneurial and employability programmes, helping bring residents, families, staff and local young people together.
For Henbrook House, the collaboration reflects its wider commitment to being an active part of the St Neots community. By opening its doors to local young people and giving talented individuals like Apryl the chance to thrive, the home hopes to play a small but meaningful role in tackling youth inactivity across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
