International Youth Day

Kent Community Foundation is delighted to work with dozens of youth projects in Kent and Medway and on International Youth Day is celebrating the work of some of organisations that it has supported with grants this year.

Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation said;

“On International Youth Day, when the focus is on raising awareness of challenges and problems facing the world’s youth Kent Community Foundation wants to highlight some of the youth projects we already support and encourage new or established youth initiatives, requiring financial support, to get in touch with us by phoning 01303 814500 or by emailing the grants team admin@kentcf.org.uk to see how we can help”

Folkestone Youth Project

Located in the most deprived area of Folkestone, the youth project aims to reduce anti - social behaviour, reduce risk of exploitation, divert young people from offending and increase life opportunities. Activities are free and include cooking, gardening, music technology, art and crafts, DIY, up cycling and environmental studies. Young people can also access help with homework, CV writing and job hunting.

Woodpecker Wood CIC

Based in East Kent Woodpecker Wood CIC aims to improve the life chances of the most vulnerable; at risk of exclusion, looked after children, out of education children and young people, whose circumstances have led them to struggle to develop in readiness for adult life. It provides outdoor experiences to deliver formal and informal education including bush craft, animal care, site improvement projects, horticulture, enterprise activities, team building activities and wood craft.

Motocross Challenge Project

Based in Dover, Motorcross Challenge Project (MXCP) offers pathways to education and employment opportunities to young people in Kent who are not in mainstream education. By providing recreational and educational facilities they educate, motivate and enthuse young people towards success in a range of courses that teach practical, social and functional life skills. The skills and experience they gain from MXCP gives them the opportunity to go on to further education or seek employment. 

Eden Christian Trust

The Eden Christian Trust work with young people aged 10-18, in the Edenbridge area, providing activities and opportunities to raise aspirations, bring them together for friendship and fun and encourage community within a Christian framework. Their projects include, a youth club with 170 members, a mentoring group for vulnerable young people, who need and want extra help in their lives and a club for teenagers focusing on issues suggested by the members.

Uprising Youth

Based in Ashford, on the Stanhope estate Uprising Youth and Community, aims to support young people by promoting recreational and leisure activities designed to improve life conditions, providing support and activities which develop skills, capacities and capabilities to ensure integration in society as mature, responsible individuals and supporting young people with ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantages.

About International Youth Day

12 August was first designated International Youth Day by the UN General Assembly in 1999 and serves as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world’s youth. www.un.org/en/events/youthday

To apply for funding through Kent Community Foundation visit www.kencf.org.uk/apply