Young people living in some of the most deprived areas of Coventry are set to be taught new skills to boost their employability and improve their local communities.
Imagineer Productions is launching arts cafes in Wood End and Willenhall after receiving £5,000 from the Foundation.
The cafes will welcome young people aged 11 and above who will be taught skills in everything from management and fundraising to first aid and health and safety, as well as be given the opportunity to develop their creative talents in areas including graphic design and music.
The young people will also be tasked with organising and hosting community events such as supper clubs for those living across the area.
Imagineer Productions, a live events production company which specialises in education programmes, will launch the cafes at Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre in Wood End and Hangard Community Centre in Willenhall.
Bethanie Gibson, creative producer at Imagineer Productions, said:
“We will be working with young volunteers to develop their skills and also help them make a real difference in the areas they live.
“We’ll be bringing in training providers and local artists, and there will also be opportunities for the young people to work with their local community to organise a variety of events.
“Developing their skills in fundraising will be another key factor so that they can make the arts cafes sustainable once the support from Imagineer comes to an end.
“We want to make a difference in some of the most deprived areas of Coventry and create a lasting legacy which the young people can continue.”
The grant was from the Foundation’s #iwill fund, which provides funding to youth social action projects that encourage young people to make a positive difference in their community, with £1,000 of this being donated by Coventry-based PET-Xi Training.
Fleur Sexton DL, managing director of PET-Xi Training and the reigning UK Businesswoman of the Year 2017/18, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for young people to develop vital skills which will not only help them as they progress through education or look for employment, but also help them make positive changes where they live.
“We are looking forward to hearing more about the project and the impact it has on the lives of young people in Wood End and Willenhall.”
Tina Costello, CEO of the Foundation, added:
“This is an excellent project which aims to create fun and engaging opportunities for young volunteers which will in turn benefit local people – exactly what the #iwill fund aims to achieve.
“We would like to thank PET-Xi Training for their donation. Without contributions from organisations like this we would not be able to fund incredible projects across the West Midlands which make a difference at grassroots level.”