A project in Mansfield Woodhouse that helps disadvantaged young people into jobs and further education has received an £80,000 boost.
The Inspire and Achieve Foundation has been managing a £124,000 refurbishment of Mansfield Youth Hub in Yorke Street.
The aim is to increase the capacity of the hub and to turn the building into a high-quality, accessible and multi-purpose community facility to support disadvantaged young people aged 16 to 26, particularly those not in education, employment or training.
The latest funding from the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund has been managed and distributed by Mansfield District Council.
Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams was joined by Mansfield MP Steve Yemm to hand over a cheque for the funding.
The Mayor said: “It's been great to see the Pride in Place funding put to such fantastic use. It has been transformational, not only for this building and the environment that young people come to, but also for the young people themselves.
“We've been listening to those young people today, and it's been incredibly motivational and inspiring to hear about the journeys they've been on and the difference this place has made to their lives. That's what this funding is all about.
“While it may be capital funding for a physical structure, it changes the environment and the feel of a place, and that, in turn, has a real impact on the people who use it.
“The young people have truly blossomed through the opportunities this has created, and it's been very enjoyable to see and hear that today.”
Mr Yemm said: “Inspire and Achieve’s Youth Hub is exactly what the Pride in Place Impact Fund is for. This £80,000 from the Labour Government has paid for better disability access, a new IT suite, a life-skills kitchen and more space for learning and mentoring.
“It was great to meet the young people who use the hub and hear what a difference it’s made. Thank you to the team at Inspire and Achieve for the work they do.”
The Inspire and Achieve Foundation has already invested £44,000 in Phase 1 of the refurbishment and the additional funding will enable Phase 2 to be carried out between now and February 2027, with young users of the hub and volunteers involved in design and decoration.
The main improvements will be:
• Full disability access, including a platform lift, ramps, and wider doors;
• An accessible life-skills kitchen;
• A new classroom and community training space;
• An IT suite.
The project aims address youth unemployment, deprivation, poor mental health, digital poverty and the shortage of safe, accessible support spaces.
It is expected to benefit more than 300 young people and more than 1,000 family members and volunteers each year.
Pippa Carter, Director of Inspire and Achieve, said: “The Pride in Place funding has been absolutely brilliant.
“It's helped on three different levels: improving accessibility around the venue for disabled people; enhancing the digital footprint so young people can access digital services and make use of the IT suite; and improving access to life skills opportunities while helping to combat aspects of poverty through initiatives such as food banks and free breakfasts.
“It has increased our capacity to support more people by providing additional space and facilities. Most of all, it has created a real sense of belonging by providing facilities such as the kitchen, which is the heart of the home for our charity, and a safe space to support some of the mental health challenges that young people face.
“I think it has truly brought about a real pride in place.”
More information about the Pride in Place Impact Fund can be found on the Government's website (link opens in new window).