WIREDGOV

A new £100,000 investment is supporting Manchester-based mental health charity 42nd Streetto equip local community groups with the skills and confidence to support young people who have experienced trauma.

The funding has been awarded by the Co-op Foundation, and the Big Lottery Fund using National Lottery funding.

Following the MEN Arena attack on 22 May, 42nd Street and other local charities have seen more young people turn to small community groups for support.

Through this project, 42nd Street will offer therapeutic support to young people, whilst working with partners to give grassroots organisations the skills needed to support young people in their own communities. They will work closely with the NHS-run Manchester Resilience Hub to ensure those affected by the Arena bombing receive appropriate mental health support.

Simone Spray, Chief Executive at 42nd Street said, “42nd Street and other charities have been very involved in supporting communities after the MEN Arena attack. What has become clear is that the ripples are far reaching and go beyond those who were directly involved; but it is often difficult for young people to know where to go for help. This project is all about building on community strengths and enabling them to support their young people.”

20 year old Iqra from Rochdale is a board member and soon to be trustee of the Youth Focus North West, a youth project that works alongside 42nd Street.

Speaking about this new project Iqra said: “Young people need support that is closer to home, from groups they know and trust and who are available when they need them. I hope the project will help communities to be more open and understanding.”

Dawn Austwick, Chief Executive, Big Lottery Fund said: “National Lottery funding is here to support communities, and we’re pleased to be investing in 42nd Street and its partners alongside the Co-op Foundation. The partnership will strengthen the support available to young people delivered on their doorstep by local charities and voluntary organisations.”

Jim Cooke, head of the Co-op Foundation said: “42nd Street has been a key partner in our work to support young people’s wellbeing and tackle loneliness. In the wake of the MEN Arena attack we were keen to help them respond to any increased needs among young people in Manchester. We also felt strongly that a collaborative approach was needed and are delighted to be co-funding this project with the Big Lottery Fund.”

Notes to Editors

Big Lottery Fund

• The Big Lottery Fund is the largest funder of community activity in the UK. It puts people in the lead to improve their lives and communities, often through small, local projects.
• It is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. In 2016/17 it awarded £712.7 million and supported more than 13,814 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes.
• Since June 2004 it has awarded £8.5 billion to projects that change the lives of millions of people.

The Co-op Foundation

• The Co-op Foundation (registered charity number 1093028) helps disadvantaged communities to overcome their challenges by putting co-operative values into practice.
• It aims to connect and empower people so they can work together to make things better
• The Co-op Foundation is growing a UK-wide network of partners working together to prevent and tackle youth loneliness. The projects delivered by our network help young people form stronger connections in their community. While helping others, young people gain the skills to make the most of life’s opportunities and to cope with its challenges.
• More information can be found at www.coop.co.uk/foundation and on Twitter @Coop_Foundation