We are delighted to announce our community partners for the first round of our Youth Futures Fund!
Young people under 25 represent almost a third of London’s population. They have been hit hard by the pandemic and are facing worsening job prospects, greater risk of violence and abuse, as well as fewer opportunities and activities. As a result, young people are, understandably, struggling with their mental health.
With support from our partners, we will help young people across the Capital improve their wellbeing and reduce isolation and anxiety. We will do so by not only increasing their access to mental health support, but by involving them in its design – all while strengthening the community organisations who can offer London's young people support in the long term.
We are excited to receive the three-year grant support from the London Community Foundation through the Youth Futures Fund. The grant is crucial in providing culturally sensitive and practical support that would prevent mental health problems for young autistic people in the BAME community and maximise their ability to self-empower.Autism Voice
Today, we are pleased to introduce our seven chosen community partners:
Element
Based in Westminster, Element Creative Projects work with children in care, care leavers (including unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people) and at-risk students to develop their creative identities and ensure they are recognised as individuals with purpose and potential. All young people who complete an Element project become part of their network, ensuring positive, supported progression routes. This gives them access to a number of services from regular cultural trips to fortnightly creative drop-ins.
Autism Voice
Based in Clapham, Autism Voice is a parent-driven not-for-profit organisation set up in 2013 by parents of an autistic child who struggled to get acceptance and recognition from members of their community in South London. Autism Voice aims to end stigma and discrimination attached to Autism. They provide a number of services such as community outreach, mentorship, emotional support, training programmes and a social club for young adults.
Live Unlimited
Live Unlimited was sent up by Barnet Council in 2018 to provide support for looked-after children and care leavers beyond what the council can offer as part of its legal duties and responsibilities. They provide access to enrichment activities and opportunities that children would usually receive from their parents such as their Driving Ahead scheme, which provides 30 driving lessons and the driving test to young care leavers.
South Central Youth
Lambeth-based South Central Youth is a specialist youth provision supporting young people aged 12 years and upwards through four interlinking services: detached youth work, intensive mentoring, therapeutic support, and personal development interventions. Their services provide wrap-around support for young people to enable them to develop their skills and capabilities, and propel them towards achieving their aspirations and goals.
Skylarks
Based in Richmond upon Thames, Skylarks provides a supportive and active community. They care for the whole family, providing opportunities to join in, develop and feel empowered. They want to remove the isolation that can be created for families and their children who have a disability or additional needs. They offer a wide range of therapies and services that are often otherwise inaccessible to families. These include services such as hydrotherapy, counselling, inclusive activities like drama and karate, and free advice for special educational needs.
Open Door
Based in Haringey, Open Door is a charity dedicated to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of young people with complex mental health issues in their transition from childhood to adulthood. Their highly trained therapists undertake specialist assessments to develop a personalised program of support ranging from six weeks to two years, depending on need. Interventions include psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness and trauma focused therapy, for young people aged 12-24.
BritSom
BritSom was established in 2008 as an organisation dedicated to the advancement of the Somali and Black and minority ethnic communities in Barnet. Its members include students, graduates and professionals who recognise the importance of playing an active role in society and who have an ardent desire to support Somali and BME parents, carers, children and young people. They provide services such as supplementary school, which helps children and young people with English and Maths, as well as group and one-to-one mentoring for children and young people.
If you would like to donate to the Youth Futures Fund or find out more, contact laura.perkins@londoncf.org.uk or see more details on this web page (link opens in new window).