The South Gloucestershire Youth Work Partnership (SGYWP) is delighted to announce that it has secured an additional three years of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. This significant support will enable the partnership to continue its vital work with young people across South Gloucestershire.
This new funding comes alongside an existing funding commitment from South Gloucestershire Council as well as several of our Town & Parish Councils and other supporters across the region who support and advocate for youth work.
The combined support will be used to continue to provide a range of youth provision, giving more opportunities for young people to reach their potential. Over the next three years, the partnership aims to reach even more young people, offering them much needed support as they navigate increasingly complex childhoods.
“I’m delighted to see that the National Lottery Community Fund are supporting the superb work being delivered by the South Glos Youth Partnership for the next three years. This much needed grant funding adds further resources to those already invested in by South Gloucestershire Council, along with local town and parish council partners, which is delivering invaluable support for our young people, helping them to thrive in our local communities”, said Cllr Simon Johnson, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People at South Gloucestershire Council.
Recent findings from the National Youth Agency (NYA) show the importance of youth work. According to their research, over half of young people aged 16-19 want more youth work that offers fun activities in their local area. 50% of those who engaged in youth work in the last 12 months reported that it supported their mental and physical wellbeing. These statistics highlight the critical role youth work plays in supporting young people’s mental health and overall development, especially in the face of challenges such as online harm and the cost-of-living crisis.
The importance of youth work is evident in the feedback the SGYWP receives from young people. One young person attending sessions in Bradley Stoke said “when I talk about things going on in my life, I don’t feel (you) the youth workers are judging me”.
Next year, the South Glos Youth Work Partnership will celebrate 10 years since its formation, marking a decade of service to the young people of South Gloucestershire. The partnership offers a variety of programmes, including:
- Mental Health Support
- Career Guidance
- Educational Support
- Community Engagement
- Recreational Activities
- Specialist services for specific groups such as LGBTQ+ and SEND
- Open Access youth clubs
- Youth outreach activities in the community
- Gender specific groups such as girls only sessions
With this new funding, the partnership will continue to support the achievement of positive outcomes by young people. These include building healthy relationships, improving access to education, improving physical and mental health, making positive choices and developing self-confidence.
“We are incredibly excited about the new funding commitment from the National Lottery Community Fund,” said Amanda Edwards of the SGYWP. “Our work with young people is crucial, and it’s wonderful to see the National Lottery Community Fund, South Gloucestershire Council, many of our Town and Parish Councils as well as our other supporters going against the national trend of cutting youth services. They understand the importance of youth work. We still need more supporters to sustain our efforts and would love to connect with potential funders interested in learning more about what we do.”
For more information on each of the SGYWP partners, please visit the websites and social media channels below:
JIGSAW Thornbury empowers young people aged 0-25 with any additional need or disability, and their families, to connect, fit in, and thrive. JIGSAW Thornbury (@jigsaw_thornbury)
BSTC youth work team works with young people within a core age range of 12 to 19 and delivers various youth work strands including, building and street-based sessions, 1-2-1 and small group work, holiday activities, sports, festivals, events and more. To find out more check out the ‘Youth Work’ page at https://www.bradleystoke.gov.uk
Creative Youth Network (CYN) enables young people, no matter what their background or circumstances, to reach their own potential. We deliver a range of youth services across South Gloucestershire and Bristol: https://www.creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk/ Creative Youth Network (@creativeyouthnetwork)
Krunch South West has an established and experienced team of mentors, youth workers, volunteers, dancers and musicians. We provide one to one mentoring; themed group workshops; life skills workshops; a personal development programme; babysitting training; volunteering opportunities; youth clubs/drop ins; holiday activities to name but a few. Krunch South West – Krunch Krunch South West (@krunch_youth) • Instagram photos and videos
The Diversity Trust specialise in equality, diversity, equity and inclusion. Our LGBTQ+ youth projects are open to any Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or Questioning (LGBTQ+) young person between the ages of 13 and 19. We also provide support to schools, colleges, youth groups, youth centres; as well as one-to-one mentoring support for LGBTQ+ young people, their parents and families. Young People’s Services – The Diversity Trust
Wickwar Youth Centre provides open access sessions for young people across the area through juniors and seniors sessions. Wickwar Youth Centre | Wotton-under-Edge | Facebook
The YOU Foundation provide a range of services for young people in Staple Hill including youth club sessions, a skate school, outreach work and studio based activities Home | The YOU Foundation The You Foundation | Bristol | Facebook
The core work of FACE is grounded in quality youth work practice, with a real passion for seeing young people thrive. FACE provides a range of engaging activities for young people in South Gloucestershire, through weekly youth clubs and groups, outreach sessions and trips. www.facecharity.org.uk FACECharityUK (@facecharityuk) • Instagram photos and videos
Learning Partnership West (LPW) exists to inspire future aspiration and ensure that no child or young person is left without help. LPW provide a range of activities for young people including mentoring support, 121 and group support, and educational support including ALP. https://www.lpw.org.uk/ Learning Partnership West (@lpwbristol) • Instagram photos and videos
