Work to support young people has always been strong in the voluntary and community sector. It accounts for a tenth of the services they provide. There is much creativity in the sector but too often innovations fail to achieve their potential. Social ventures often have a lack of secure income and often weak relationships with commissioners and funders of public services. They can find it hard to secure funding that enables sustained innovation.
We provided intensive support for several, selected, social ventures, helping them to realise their potential. From Beatbullying's CyberMentors to support innocent victims of bullying, to Dance United's Academy programme helping young offenders in search of a second chance through dance, we helped them to develop and grow. We provided tailored support based on their development needs. We also worked directly with commisioners, social investors and policy-makers to enable them to achieve their objectives - including connecting them with local government.
Permission to use the above photo was kindly given by the photographer, Nick Gurney.
