URPotential are thrilled to announce that they have attracted a 3 year investment from Esmée Fairbairn, for a youth leadership programme in Blackpool, which will support young people to make positive changes to their local area.

“Esmée-Fairbairn Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities throughout the UK both now and in the future. We do this by funding the charitable work of organisations who are building an inclusive, creative and sustainable society.  The Foundation is one of the largest independent grant-makers in the UK.  In 2016 we made grants of £42.4 million towards a wide range of work within the arts, children and young people, the environment, food and social change. We also have a £45 million allocation to social investments for organisations with the aim of creating social impact.  www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk”

The URPotential Youth Leadership project will incorporate Blackpool Youth Voice and a Peer Mentor programme. Blackpool Youth Voice are the youth council for the young people of Blackpool. They ensure that every young person, aged 11 to 18, can have their voice heard; allowing young people to have the opportunity to have their say and make informed decisions on key issues impacting them. Blackpool Youth Voice are actively recruiting for more members and will be delivering road shows across the Town in schools and youth groups. URPotential are part of the #iwill Campaign, which promotes social action among 10-20 year-olds. This includes activities such as campaigning, fundraising and volunteering, all of which create a double-benefit – to communities and young people themselves.   The URPotential Peer Mentor project, will recruit young people aged 14- 25 years of age, to be trained as peer mentors and befrienders, to support young people aged 10 – 25, into accessing social activities, volunteering and social action projects.  

We would like to say a massive thank you to Esmée-Fairbairn Foundation for funding our full time participation worker. This post will not only benefit our group, but give a voice to young people across Blackpool. Our immediate plans for the future are to complete our 2017 ‘Make your Mark’ Campaign. We will be working hard to build on our success of the past whilst extending our reach across Blackpool and gaining more recruits to support this significant work. To achieve this, we are planning a road show to engage more schools and local youth clubs.

Josh Thompson
Chair of Blackpool Youth Voice 

For more information about  the Peer Mentor Project and Blackpool Youth Voice go to Blackpool Youth Voice or contact April Rankin on 01253 344398 or april@urpotential.co.uk.