The Big Lottery Fund supports youth enterprise scheme
Reviving the Heart of the West End, based in Newcastle, received an early Christmas present of £4,574 from the 'Awards for All Programme to help run a series of business planning workshops for enterprising young people in the city.
Labour market statistics released last month show that as many as one in five 16-24 year olds are now out of work, the highest level since records began in 1992.
The group’s Business Sparks project will set about aiming to reverse this trend at a local level. RHWE is one of 26 charities in the North East sharing in a festive funding pot from BIG of £208,150.
James Turner, Big Lottery Fund Head of the North East region, said: “With so many talented youngsters out there in the region, it’s great to see a project receiving festive funding for work which will help them develop their business ideas, prepare for employment and increase their self-confidence.”
Young business brains in the North East will be encouraged to realise their potential thanks to funding for Reviving the Heart of the West End (RHWE). The charity offers office space to start-up businesses, and will now run a scheme specifically aimed at unemployed young people who are keen to access advice and guidance about getting their plans off the ground and make a difference locally.
Hannah Claydon, Development Officer, RHWE, said: “Reviving the Heart of the West End Ltd is delighted to receive a grant from Awards for All to support our Business Sparks programme. This is an innovative youth enterprise scheme which is giving young people living or studying in the West End of Newcastle upon Tyne the opportunity to turn their business ideas into reality.
- Elsewhere in the region, there’s funding for Durham-based Veterans at Ease Ltd, a charity established to support ex-service personnel and their families. With a £3,200 grant now secured, they have hosted an event raising awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the impact it can have on veterans returning to civilian life. Further events are also planned for the year ahead.
- Vi - Ability Youth Group in Newcastle welcomes £7,390 to deliver a programme of fun, physical activities for young people who are blind or visually impaired. Those involved will have the chance to mix with others while trying their hand at DJing, exercise classes, self-defence sessions and an ice-skating course.
- People of all ages in the local community will get on their bikes during 2012 thanks to funding for New Leaf New Life Business Solutions CIC. The group will create a fitness studio in North Shields providing spinning bike classes for budding cyclists, young and old.
- Hexham Youth Initiative (£9,930) will also get people active with healthy eating and exercise opportunities at local sports venues while Families Talking in Middlesbrough (£8,157) can now kit of their new premises with equipment to offer family mediation sessions.
For a full list of awards in the North east region click here