Youth support project made possible by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Published: Thu 21st November, 2024

A programme to support young people in Charnwood has been backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Gorse Covert Community Association is leading the project which will include drop-in sessions, workshops and activities for young people to improve their confidence and capabilities.

A dedicated youth support worker has also been hired as part of the Gorse Covert Youth Project.

It is one of 10 projects chosen for support by Charnwood Borough Council which has been allocated £4 million from the fund to invest in communities and support local businesses.

The programme which has received £167,480 from the fund is being operated from the Gorse Covert Community Centre in Loughborough.

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “It’s great that this project to support young people in Charnwood is being supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“It’s important that we invest in future generations and this project is doing exactly that.

“I look forward to seeing this project progress and the long-term benefits that it will bring to the borough.”

A ‘Youth Wing’ is being set up as a safe space for young people to visit and will be used for workshops and activities.

There is also a ‘Youth Council’ being created with the aim of giving young people a voice. It encourages users to give their views and discuss local and national issues.

Sue Castleton, manager at Gorse Covert Community Centre, said: “Even though the project is still in its early days, it is already proving to be a real success and is helping young people in the local community.

“The younger generation are the future and we need to make sure that we invest in them to help them grow and develop and that is exactly what this project is doing.

“The funding that we have received through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is vitally important and is helping us lead the project to support young people across Charnwood.”

The projects being backed by Charnwood Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund include creating a MUGA facility at Birstall, expanding sports facilities in Mountsorrel, extending a village hall as well as regenerating Shepshed’s Market Place.

For more information, visit the Council's webpage.