A North East youth charity has secured National Lottery funding to help young people turn community ideas into action.
Linx Youth Project, in Middlesbrough, will use the money to run its six-week Key+ social action programme, #IWillLeadWithLinx, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme helps young people identify community problems, develop solutions and pitch their ideas to professionals in a Dragons’ Den-style contest.
Eilis Sexton, deputy chief executive of Linx Youth Project, said: "At Linx, we know that when young people are trusted to lead, amazing things can happen.
(Image: Supplied)
"We can't wait to see the creativity, passion and community spirit they bring to #IWillLeadWithLinx."
Participants will learn about budgeting and research.
They can also secure funding to make their ideas happen.
Past projects include making care hampers and raising awareness of Mind and men’s mental health.
Sue Ormiston, head of funding for the #iwill Fund at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: "Every young person should have the opportunity to explore their interests, create experiences that matter to them and shape their future.
"That's exactly what the #iwill Fund does – helping to remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for young people to lead social action projects on the issues they care most about.
"We are guided by young people's voices, ideas and creativity, enabling them to build the skills and confidence they need to thrive."
Linx Youth Project has supported Middlesbrough’s young people for more than 30 years through youth services, targeted support, holiday activities and community projects.
The charity aims to give young people a real voice and an active role in shaping their communities’ future.
The #IWillLeadWithLinx programme aims to boost young people’s emotional wellbeing, confidence and civic engagement.
Read more
Classic car show raises more than £18,000 for ten North East charities
£1.5m fund to support 33 community projects across County Durham
Darlington teenager joins support crew of famous steam locomotive Tornado
It also helps Linx equip young people with skills for the future.
Linx Youth Project will share updates on participants’ projects and achievements on social media as the programme begins.
To find out more about the charity or programme, email banna@linxyouthproject.co.uk or call 01642 591955.