Some of the county's 11 - 14 year olds are to benefit from a radical new scheme which will set out to broaden their horizons, improve their confidence and uncover hidden talents.The new Inspiring Communities scheme means that young people living in the Central and Hindpool wards in Barrow will reap the benefits of up to £450,000 of new funding over the next two years aimed at raising their aspirations and achievements.
The funding has been secured by a team led by Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team (CHNMT) in partnership with The Barrow Excellence Cluster Partnership (BECP), primary and secondary schools and the Furness Local Planning Group.
The Neighbourhood Management Team called on the expertise of Cumbria County Council's education department and Children's Services to help secure the bid. The Central and Hindpool bid is one of fifteen successful bids across the country which will receive a share of a £10million pound government scheme.
Aimed at deprived neighbourhoods, the 'Inspiring Communities' initiative is about getting people in communities working together to boost the aspirations and achievements of their young people.
The funding will see a range of local schemes introduced. There will be an expansion of the Junior Warden scheme where 9-11 year olds will be able to take part in and work alongside neighbourhood wardens, police and fire service personnel on community projects and fun activities.
The existing Street Soccer scheme offering football session in neighbourhood locations for 9-16 year olds and giving young people the opportunity to meet local PCSO’s and Neighbourhood Wardens will be developed and become a Street Sports programme.
Free informal holiday sports programmes will be on offer. Multi-sports session will be delivered in neighbourhood locations requiring no pre-booking for 8-15 year olds twice a week during school holidays also involving opportunities to meet Neighbourhood Wardens.
Stephen Robson, Neighbourhood Manager (CHNMT) sees a big part of the remit as improving the link between young people’s education and the wider community. He said: "Providing the environment for our young people to lead happy and successful lives is everyone’s responsibility and this programme will help us promote that idea in a very real sense.
"For example we want to set up a community learning forum for parents and interested professionals to discuss issues and plans and highlight the opportunities in the area.
"This is a great chance for agencies and the community to work together for the benefit of our young people and we look forward to working with the wider community as we take the scheme forward."
The scheme will also set out to improve local support networks with advice and guidance services and provide resources to raise the self confidence and aspirations of parents and carers.
Mason Minnitt, Director of the Barrow Excellence Cluster Partnership (BECP) is delighted with the news and sees this as a golden opportunity for a neighbourhood facing particular social and economic challenges. He said: “This funding will allow us to utilise the expertise, energy and the commitment of local partners to transform aspirations.
“It allows us to ensure that this community plays a leading role in shaping its own positive future.”
The scheme looks set to have a big impact on children and the wider community with the ultimate goal of raising community pride and aspirations at its heart.
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