#iwill programme supports more youth projects in Cornwall
The #iwill grant programme, distributed by the Foundation, has awarded more than £230,000 in Cornwall to community groups to engage young people in campaigning, fundraising and volunteering opportunities.
Deborah Hinton, who chairs the Foundation panel awarding the funding says, “As part of the #iwill programme over 4,000 young people have been given the opportunity to participate locally in social action projects. Participation has increased their self-confidence and resilience and given them a sense of pride in and commitment to their local area.”
The #iwill programme supports social action, creating enjoyable opportunities and skills development for young people. Additionally, the activities undertaken by the young people help their local communities.
Combating the effects of deprivation is also at the heart of #iwill.
Deborah continues, “Cornwall is often viewed through a romantic lens as a place of sea, sand and outstanding natural beauty. In reality, large areas of Cornwall suffer from acute deprivation, lack of opportunity and decent housing, unemployment and ‘in work poverty’. These grants, by investing in young people, have gone a long way towards helping them to shape a more hopeful and prosperous future for Cornwall.”
Our marvellous donors have provided the match funding that unlocked the national investments provided by Step Up To Serve, The National Lottery Community Fund and the Government Office for Civil Society.
Donna Wheadon, CCF’s Grants Officer highlights “Through #iwill young people have become aware of the value of good citizenship and volunteering. Fundraising is also fundamental to young people achieving their goals.”
Youth projects supported by #iwill include:
Wild Young Parents project: developing a young parents’ focus group to address disadvantages and inequalities.
Camborne Community Centre: creating and encouraging young people to become more socially engaged and campaign on an issue chosen by the young people themselves.
Youth Cafes Cornwall CIC: supporting a new project in Redruth called ‘Pride of Place Champions’ promoting social action amongst young hard-to-reach people.
Bewnans Kernow: delivering ‘Hands on Heritage’ to teach young people to campaign on issues of Cornish heritage and Cornish identity.
Friends of Bosivgo: running a Cornwall Coastal Connect Programme to include training about plastic waste, environmental art, plastic-free schools and Surf School lessons.
Trelya: providing volunteering opportunities for young people enabling them to significantly contribute to their community through the design and build of a community arts space and café.
Blend Youth Collective C.I.C: facilitating ‘Worry Walks’ that aim to encourage young people to find positive ways to manage their worries and anxieties.