Ryebridge has given its support to a campaign aimed at reducing health inequalities in Luton.
As part of their strategic 2040 vision for the town, Luton Borough Council became the UK’s first Marmot Town, working with the Institute of Health Equity (IHE) to establish a partnership approach and coordinate actions in four priority areas.
These included housing, raising aspirations for children and young people, reaching net zero and business, employment and skills.
In 2023 the Luton public health team convened a conference of various partners showcasing how their organisations were tackling health inequalities.
A follow-up virtual conference took place today, looking at the social responsibility for tackling health inequalities.
One of the speakers was Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully, who spoke about how the work the company does in construction supported young people who were systematically disadvantaged by the academic focus of schools and colleges.
Sean said afterwards: “I was very pleased to be invited to present at the Luton: A Marmot Town Second Annual Conference today.
“I had the opportunity to highlight the work we do in the community providing opportunities for the unemployed and young people, improving the socio-economic status of the town and ultimately contributing to the drive for health equality.”
He explained: “It’s no longer true that the only option available to young people looking to find a successful career is to focus solely on an academic route through college or sixth form and then on to university.
“Instead, it is increasingly evident that more skills-based options can appeal to those students who struggle with exams and intensive learning, but this requires both increased awareness of the options available, and practical work experience and job opportunities within locally based companies.
“Before I joined Ryebridge Construction I was a director at one of the largest further education colleges in the UK, and I saw first-hand that for many young people the traditional academic path was both isolating and disenfranchising, whereas they thrived taking a more skills-based approach.
“Our use of apprentices reflects the company’s commitment to investing in the next generation of employees by supporting them with education, experience and insight into how the business works.
“Ryebridge also aims to empower young people by offering work experience across the company, making them more comfortable with the idea of learning on the job.
“We are committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best.”
