Society Attīstības platforma YOU+ (Development Platform YOU+), with the support of Latvian financial service company AS DelfinGroup, organises a five-month individual mentoring programme for a total of 30 young people in Kurzeme, who are in difficult circumstances due to risks of addiction, economic, social, or geographical constraints or mental health challenges. Need for support and practical assistance has become particularly important because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the programmes already implemented by the Society have proven individual mentoring to be an effective solution to problems.

“AS DelfinGroup, as a socially responsible company and actively participates in promoting social and financial inclusion of society and environmental sustainability, which is in line with our corporate social responsibility guidelines. It is especially satisfying for AS DelfinGroup to have the opportunity to support the project implemented by the association Attīstības platforma YOU+ (Development Platform YOU+), because it is carried out by the young people who, having put their lives back on track, can be role models for others, and are ready to help those in need to regain faith in their potential and motivate young people make their own choices. This project, just like the training for improvement of young people’s competitiveness, also supported by us and organised by the social enterprise and youth opportunities platform Visas iespējas (All Opportunities) and organisation Delve, increases the opportunities of young people to integrate in the society and become fully-fledged members of it, while highlighting the topicality and value of various support activities among young people,” explains Ivars Lamberts, Member of the Management board of AS DelfinGroup.

“Frequently, state and municipal organisations and institutions face the inability to provide support to teenagers with addiction problems and tendency to commit offences, because the necessary support mechanisms have not been developed. Support programme Liepājas jauniešu mentoru tīkls (Network of Liepāja youth mentors) is the first step in making such services available to any young person who really needs it. Thanks to the support of AS DelfinGroup, we can expand the programme and continue to provide support to youngsters!” says Andris Kāposts, Head of the Society Attīstības platforma YOU+ (Development Platform YOU+).

Liepājas jauniešu mentoru tīkls (Network of Liepāja youth mentors) - practical support on the way to positive changes

Support programme Liepājas jauniešu mentoru tīkls (Network of Liepāja youth mentors) is intended for young people aged 18 to 25, who are at risk of various addictions, social, economic, or geographical limitations, or who face various mental health challenges.

The aim of the programme is to strengthen the confidence of youngsters in thinking that it is possible to live differently - finish school, develop themselves, improve communication with family and people around them, find their place in life and achieve goals. Mentors help these youngsters not only to change their thinking, but also to overcome addictions, toxic relationships, as well as improve their mental and physical health. During the cooperation, a young person is provided with all kinds of support - from counselling on mental health and career choice to joint physical activities and practical support in everyday issues.

The programme is implemented by the association Attīstības platforma YOU+ (Development Platform YOU+) and was launched in September 2020 with an initial planned implementation period of one year. During that time, the programme proved to be a success - 50 young people finished the programme, changed their lives, and found solutions to their problems. The good results and the demand from the youth highlighted the need to continue the programme. With the support of AS DelfinGroup, the 5-month programme is now available to another 30 young people in need.

About AS DelfinGroup

AS DelfinGroup is a licenced technology-based financial services company that was established in 2009 and operates under the brand names Banknote and VIZIA. The company continuously develops and offers consumer and pawn loans, loans developed for senior citizens, Buy now pay later loans (BNPL loans), as well as sale of pre-owned goods both online and at more than 90 branches across Latvia. On average, 35,000 thousand loans are issued every month and serviced by the professional team of more than 270 AS DelfinGroup employees. The company has a total of over 400,000 registered customers. Since 2014, AS DelfinGroup has been known on the Nasdaq Riga Stock Exchange as a bond issuer and since 2021 as a share issuer on the Baltic Main List. The company’s IPO in 2021 was the largest in the history of Latvia in terms of investor activity having attracted almost 6000 new shareholders. The company regularly pays dividends to its shareholders. In 2020, the company's net loan portfolio grew to EUR 34.6 million, while its EBITDA reached EUR 9.3 million, with profits before income tax for dividends EUR 4.65 million. The company’s sustainability is based on focused corporate governance, fintech innovation, responsible lending, financial inclusion and facilitating the circular economy. The company has been profitable every year since 2010.

About the Society Attīstības platforma YOU+ (Development Platform YOU+)

Society Attīstības platforma YOU+ (Development Platform YOU+) is the most active youth organisation in Kurzeme, which provides support to young people, implements educational projects, as well as provides training to specialists working with the youth. The association unites most of the organisations involved in work with youngsters in Liepāja and southern Kurzeme and more than 100 young people who are active daily.

For further information, please contact:
Kristaps Bergmanis,
AS DelfinGroup Management Board Member
Phone: +371 26189988
Whatsapp: +371 26189988
E-mail: [email protected]