YOUNG people are benefiting from an employment initiative launched by a housing association.

The European funded New Directions Young Employment project supports jobseekers aged 15 to 29.

The initiative, from the North Star Housing Group, offers a range of assistance, from funding to CV building and interview preparation.

Darlington man Alex Cummins, 21, credits the team with helping him to secure his job at Capita.

He said: “The staff are fantastic, really supportive and understanding.

“I wasn’t just a number or anything to them, I really mattered and they did everything they could to help me.

“They coached me to get me ready for my interview and provided funding so I could get some interview clothes.

“I can’t thank them enough - without them, I don’t think I would have had the confidence and skills to get any job.”

Leigh Stobbs, youth employment initiative recruiter for North Star, said: “It was brilliant to know the support we gave him not only helped him secure employment but it had a real impact on him.”