Grant aims to make a difference in young lives

After securing 450,000 from a national 10m pot, Inspired Neighbourhoods, the Inspired Communities Partnership has been given the go-ahead to deliver projects to help youngsters fulfil their potential in Bowling and Barkerend.

Inspired Neighbourhoods was one of 15 successful bids for the government grant nationwide, and just one of four successful bids in Yorkshire and Humber.

Shabir Hussain, chair of the Inspired Communities Partnership board, said: "The resources are desperately needed within this area and give young people between the ages of 11 and 14 the opportunity, encouragement and support to develop skills and knowledge that can make a difference to their lives and to raise the aspiration of parents."

Inspired Neighbourhoods has brought together businesses, councillors, colleges and the third sector around the area to help youngsters on the road to success.

More than a dozen projects will delivered over the next 15 months including designing and building a house, mentoring and coaching, developing a photographic history of the area bringing young and older people together, and twinning and exchange visits with schools elsewhere in England and in France.

Other projects will help youngsters with maths, science and English and help to close the gap between young people and those in authority such as police officers, army staff and social workers, helping to build trust.

The schemes hope to broaden young people's horizons as well as raising parents' aspirations and self-confidence.

Inspiring Communities is a joint initiative from Communities and Local Government, The Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Cabinet Office.

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."