THE leader of Barnsley Council has pledged his support to an organisation which helps young women get back into education.

Coun Sir Steve Houghton visited the Educational Learning Support Hub (ELSH), based on Sheffield Road on Monday after being invited by Florentine King, who is the co-ordinator.

ELSH is a a small non-profit organisation supporting 16 to 25-year-old young women who fall in the category of not being in education, employment or training (NEET).

They also teach English as a second language to young and ethnic minority locals, including refugees and asylum seekers.

Since the official opening, 75 students have signed up to the hub, which provides up to 30 hours of teaching in English and maths.

Sir Steve told the Chronicle: “I came to visit because I was keen to see what ELSH was about and I am keen for there to be a successful service dealing with vulnerable young people.

“The government are obsessed with grades and how schools are performing but they fail to think about those who fall through the net into the NEET category.

“Cutbacks have meant there is not enough funding for organisations such as ELSH.

“Funding is critical in order to help these young people succeed.”

Dave Shaw, a volunteer at ELSH, said: “I feel that we are at an advantage as an organisation as we provide 30 hours weekly teaching, which I feel has more of an impact than those who attend two hours of teaching per week as it propels them.

“We are aiming to open a crèche so that vulnerable women with children are able to come and study and not have to worry about childcare.

“We just require the funding and commitment from volunteers to make this organisation successful, and to have the backing of Sir Steve Houghton is a sign that our service is valued in Barnsley.”