Action to unlock young people's talent starts here!

Young people from fifteen disadvantaged neighbourhoods have started working on local community projects designed to help them raise their ambitions, broaden their horizons, and unlock their talents, Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton announced today.

The projects are part of a £10million Government programme set up to raise the aspirations of 11-14 year olds and their parents across England.

The Inspiring Communities initiative builds on the Government's commitment to tackling inequality - and building a society where everyone, regardless of their background, is able to develop their talents and gain the skills which will help to transform their lives. To support this, the Government has recently set out measures to improve social mobility including a pledge to secure work experience in top professions for 10,000 students from 'modest income' families. This will include a national career mentoring scheme, aimed at schools where few go into higher education.

All the Inspiring Communities projects are being led by local communities - schools, colleges, businesses, and third sector - who working together support and help youngsters on the road to success by giving them work and educational experiences. In Barrow the Central and Hindpool project activities aim to:

- increase opportunities for young people’s participation in sport and arts activities

- provide coaching and mentoring training for adults working with young people

- increase opportunities for parents and young people to influence services in the area

- provide away day activities such as trips and outward bound experiences

- develop the existing Junior Warden scheme and improve opportunities for taking part in environmental activity and much more

Neighbourhood Manager for Central and Hindpool, Steve Robson, who is the local Inspiring Communities Co-ordinator, said:

“We’re really pleased to have been chosen as the one 15 pilot areas for this programme, it’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point but we’re ready to start delivering something that people can get involved in. We really want the parents and young people of Central and Hindpool to get involved in this with us and would love them to get in touch to find out more about the new and exciting opportunities which will be available through this work.”

Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"All young people deserve the chance to see what they are capable of and the opportunities open to them, and that is what Inspiring Communities initiative is designed to do. It will enable youngsters, no matter where they live or their social background, to fulfil their potential.

"This funding goes to support community-led projects that will best uncover and foster young people's talents. Funding will help young people broaden their horizons, grow in confidence and learn about opportunities that are available to them.

"I am grateful to those people, business and organisations who are willing to give their time and experience to giving young people a chance."
Inspiring Communities is a joint initiative from Communities and Local Government, The Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Cabinet Office. It has also secured support right across Whitehall, with a further 11 Government departments committed to encouraging ambitious and creative work locally.

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said:

“We want to make sure England is the best place in the world for young people to grow up. This means supporting every young person, including those living in the most deprived areas, to ensure they get a great education that meets their needs and aspirations.

“Everyone in the local community can play their part in helping young people to see what they could achieve at and beyond school. The Inspiring Communities initiative gives young people taking part the support they need to help motivate them and raise their aspirations. It will help them make progress, develop new skills and raise their educational attainment, and so it’s great to see so many groups and organisations supporting these projects.”

Minister for the Third Sector Angela Smith said:

"I am really pleased that the Inspiring Communities programme is delivering opportunities for young people to raise their aspirations and take part in positive activities. It is an excellent example of how cross government working can bring about real change and help young people achieve their full potential.

"Volunteering, which is a core element of the programme, can boost morale, help young people learn practical skills and encourages community engagement. All of this is helping to raise the skills and aspirations of our youg people."