Level Up Gosport has been awarded £3,000 funding from Abri to support young people with employability skills through community volunteering.
The Community Interest Company has been supporting young adults aged 18-25 for almost 11 years (previously under Gosport Voluntary Action) to gain self-respect and confidence through volunteering within the community. The funding from Abri will be used to develop the service they offer to those living in Hampshire.
Mary Ive, Chair of Level UP Gosport, said: “We are delighted and very grateful to have received funding from Abri. It will allow us to continue supporting young people into volunteering/work and training; building up their confidence and self-esteem in a safe space and friendly environment, whilst also encouraging socialising. This will also benefit the wider community by offering support on individual events and raising awareness to local good courses.
“The majority of the young adults that we support have a mild to moderate learning or physical (or hidden, neurodivergent) disability; or have mental health issues, like lacking in confidence or high anxiety levels. Our supported volunteering work programme offers these young adults practical, employability skills, builds up their confidence, whilst simultaneously encouraging new friendships.
“Alongside this, we help to strengthen resilience and reduce their susceptibility to becoming a victim of mental health issues; increase their independence and help to prepare all (that have the capability) for the transition into the workplace.
“These young adults are often over-looked, particularly when it comes to securing employment. Our volunteering work programme provides a unique forum for socialisation, training and employment skills for all the young adults it supports, who are struggling to secure meaningful employment.”
The Community Fund is part of Abri’s commitment to empowering lives and creating thriving communities, making them better places to live. Abri is one of the south of England’s largest housing providers and awarded over £65,000 from its Community Fund to support local organisations and projects between April 2021-March 2022.
Applications are decided on by its customer panel – Thriving Communities – made up of customers and those living in its communities. Sarah O’Mara, a Thriving Communities panel member, said: “The young adults that Level Up Gosport support are often unseen. By giving them the support they need they can reach their full potential. The support helps improve mental health by increasing their confidence and self-worth. By giving them the skills to return to college, do volunteering work, or find employment, it brings everyone joy and positivity.”
Other successful applications for Abri’s Community Fund include:
- £1,125 to The Cowshed, near Reading for Noahs Boxes – a kitchen essentials kit of 35+ items to support those going into their own accommodation.
- £2,957 to The Friendly Food Club in Bournemouth for their ‘meet, cook and eat’ cookery workshops.
- £3,000 to The Baby Bank in Windsor for their sleeping and playing safely project, helping families facing financial difficulties.
Cita Jagot, Communities & Involvement Manager at Abri, said: “We believe the best ideas often come from the people who know and live in our communities. And we’re committed to supporting and investing in our communities. We’re proud of the difference our Community Fund makes, driving change, transforming our communities, providing opportunities, and supporting people during the rising cost of living. It’s what our Community Strategy and five-year £15m investment is all about – empowering communities, improving health and wellbeing, and providing employment opportunities.”
Abri’s Community Fund opens for applications four times a year, and organisations can apply for up to £3,000 to support a project in one of Abri’s communities. The next application window opens on 1 July and closes on 20 September