0330 174 4300 | info@paperweight.org.uk

NextGen

NextGen is Paperweight’s initiative to support Jewish students and young adults aged 18–25.

It equips the next generation with the practical skills, confidence and support networks they need to navigate adult life – from managing money and housing to understanding employment and bureaucracy.

From the age of 18, you are legally an adult. Suddenly, you may be expected to deal with everything yourself – rent, bills, taxes, contracts and long-term financial decisions. Yet many of us are never actually taught how to manage these responsibilities.

A recent Times article highlighted just how common this is. A survey found that only 9% of 18–24 year olds had enough financial knowledge to pass a basic money test and many had never created a budget or managed bills independently. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Without early guidance, small challenges can quickly become overwhelming. The NextGen project exists to bridge that gap.

How NextGen Makes a Difference

NextGen is built around three interconnected but independent strands, designed to equip young adults with knowledge, practical support and opportunities to give back, all whilst enhancing their employment opportunities.

  1. Life Ready Courses Delivered by Industry Professional
    Practical training that teaches essential life skills — from managing money and renting a home to understanding employment contracts and workplace rights.
  2. Access to Practical Support from our Trained Caseworkers
    Free, confidential guidance from Paperweight caseworkers to help students navigate financial, administrative and personal challenges before they escalate.
  3. Papermate – Intergenerational Volunteering
    Training student volunteers to support older members of the community with paperwork, administration and companionship, strengthening connections across generations whilst building transferable skills and experience that support future employment opportunities.

Together, these three parts of NextGen help you build the knowledge, confidence and support network needed to navigate real-world challenges.

What You Gain from NextGen

  • Confidence managing money, housing and employment
  • Practical, transferable skills including communication, organisation, problem-solving and a chance to develop leadership skills
  • Experience dealing with real-life situations, including safeguarding and handling sensitive information
  • Useful, hands-on experience to strengthen your CV and future job applications
  • Greater independence when navigating unfamiliar systems and responsibilities
  • The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable members of the Jewish community
  • Connections with peers, professionals and caseworkers building a supportive network
  • A sense of purpose and improved wellbeing through giving your time and skills

Renting a house with friends in second year and not sure what to look out for in the tenancy agreement?

Just received the contract for your first job and not sure what half of it means?

Trying to manage rent, bills and your bank balance for the first time?
Our Life Ready Courses are designed to help with exactly these moments.

Our practical sessions give students the knowledge and confidence to handle the real-life responsibilities that come with independence.
Financial Resilience
Learn how to manage your money, understand financial systems and make informed decisions for the future.

Housing Basics
Understand how renting works, your rights as a tenant and how to navigate common housing challenges.

Workplace Know-How
Build confidence understanding contracts, pay and expectations in your first job and the wider workplace.

When things start to feel complicated or overwhelming, it helps to have someone who understands the system.

NextGen participants can access direct, confidential guidance from Paperweight’s specialist caseworkers when they are facing complex challenges.

Support may include help with:

  • Debt, student loans and financial pressures
  • Housing or tenancy issues
  • Bureaucracy, forms and paperwork

Our caseworkers work alongside individuals to guide them in navigating challenges, helping to resolve problems and regain stability and ensuring that smaller issues do not escalate into larger crises.

NextGen also creates opportunities for young people to make a real difference within their community.

By becoming a Papermate, students and young adults will be trained as volunteers to support older members of the Jewish community who may be isolated or struggling with everyday administration.

Papermate’s may help with:

  • Organising paperwork and post
  • Managing bills and appointments
  • Helping with forms or online tasks
  • Providing digital support

For many older individuals living in regional communities, this support can be transformative.

At the same time, students gain leadership experience, practical skills and meaningful community engagement, while building relationships across generations.

Need urgent help?
Call us on 0330 174 4300

"My big fear was that I would let somebody down. I wouldn't do it right. All the bills and everything – what was coming in and what was going out…" Read Jackie's Story

Other services we offer include:

Paperlite

For people who want some light-touch help on a regular basis.

Tap into Tech

Digital drop-in service for people who want to feel more confident online.

Supporting Families

A Practical Guide to Benefits & Financial Support

ElderCare Hub

When living in your own home becomes too challenging

Practical help with legal, financial and everyday challenges

Financial 
Assistance

Help coping with debt, budgeting and bills, housing, form filling, wills and probate matters.

Legal
 Guidance

Informal guidance through the legal maze, typically in civil or family matters.

Welfare 
& Benefits

Helping you get benefits you’re entitled to, such as housing benefit and income support.

Other Services

Paperweight offers time, guidance, confidentiality, experience and a good deal of common sense.

Get Involved Volunteer

Find out more