£5,000 boost for youth engagement project on Wellingborough's Kingsway estate
Groundwork Northamptonshire will deliver a six-month youth engagement programme on the Kingsway estate in Wellingborough following a £5,000 grant from Northants-based housing association Greatwell Homes.
During their initial engagement, Groundworks Northamptonshire have identified a growing need for consistent youth engagement on the estate, following concerns around personal safety, exposure to anti-social behaviour and limited access to positive and accessible activities, particularly during evenings and school holidays.
The programme will establish a consistent, youth-led outreach presence in Kingsway that supports young people to feel safer, more connected and actively involved in improving their local environment.
Experienced youth practitioners will deliver a blended model of outreach and support including environmental action projects, weekly youth work and one-to-one sessions, and signposting to specialist services where additional support is required.
The £5,000 grant is part of Greatwell Homes’ community grants fund which provides funding to organisations and community groups that provide a positive difference to neighbourhoods across Northamptonshire.
Since its establishment in 2016, more than £150,000 has been donated to many community-based group and projects.
Greatwell’s Customer Assembly is a group of involved residents and are responsible for choosing where the funds are donated.
The assembly’s chairman and Greatwell Homes customer, Peter Alington, said: “This project will support at least 40 young people with detached youth work and activities focused on improving the local environment.
"It’s designed to tackle concerns around safety, anti-social behaviour and the lack of positive opportunities, whilst helping young people build confident, connect with other in the community and make a real difference.
“As a member of the Customer Assembly, we have the privilege to allocate grants to small, local organisations working to benefit Greatwell Homes customers and this is just another example of the help provided for good causes in our local community.”
Kate Williams, executive director at Groundwork Northamptonshire, said: "Huge thanks to Greatwell Homes for their continued commitment and support for young people.
"We know that positive activities, led by positive role models within communities makes a huge difference, especially for our young people.
"Our continued partnership with Greatwell Homes means we can do more and support more young people in this way."
The Kingsway Youth Engagement Programme will begin to be delivered early this summer.
For more information or to apply to Greatwell Homes’ community grants fund, visit https://www.greatwellhomes.org.uk/get-involved/community-grants-fund-apply-today.