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on helping young people at risk of not getting a job, training or college place.

Educational psychologist Dr Christopher Arnold and Connexions personal advisor Tracy Baker, collaborated on “Becoming NEET: Risks, Rewards and Realities”, which has just been published.

Dr Arnold, who works for Sandwell Council, has built a national reputation for his work on helping NEETs (not in employment, education or training). Speaking at the book launch in West Bromwich, he said: “This is a good day for vulnerable people in Sandwell and young people nationally. “The book describes a method to identify early young people at risk of entering the NEET category and how that information can be used to provide support to reduce the likelihood of this happening.”

There are 770 young people aged 16-18 who are NEET in Sandwell, 6.6 per cent of the total and slightly above the West Midlands average of 6.2 per cent, according to recent figures.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Simon Hackett said: “Sandwell has a good reputation in working to prevent young people from becoming NEET.” Becoming NEET: Risks, Rewards and Realities is published by Trentham Books and Institute of Education Press.

For further information please contact: Sandwell Council Communications Unit 0121 569 3031 Out of hours/emergency: 07920 027 723 www.twitter.com/sandwellcouncil www.facebook.com/sandwellcouncil