The Youth Empowerment Project will give young people living in and around Crawley, West Sussex access to a youth club that will run a series of workshops and programs that will help build young people’s educational, social and personal development. The project will unfold within 3 years. This will ensure sustainable growth of the project. The club will have free Maths, English and Science improvement tuition sessions for young people in school. Most young people from underprivileged families give up on school because they don't understand the benchmark subjects in school which are Maths, English and Science, when young people receive support in these subjects it builds up their confidence which broadens their understanding of other school subjects We will help address the needs of local young people through the delivery of vocational training workshop for young people out of school with Vocational Course in Customer Services which will open doors for employment

What we'll deliver:

• Free Maths, English and Science after school
• Free Vocational Course in Customer Services for Youth from 16 years not in school
• Free drama and live music recording studio for the youth
• Substance misuse support group
• Mental health support group
• Eating disorder support group

Why it's a great idea:

The leader of the local borough council Peter Lamb and the MP for Crawley have also indicated their support for the project. The MP, Henry Smith says “I think this is an excellent initiative which have my support…”. Consultation with other key stakeholders, local schools, parents, local businesses have also shown that this is a ‘good idea’, giving young adults a place to go, with positive role models. Ina questionnaire, one head teacher wrote “The concept I believe will equip them with key skills to find a job or a pursue personal goals.” Previous projects in Crawley supporting youth services have been very successful, identifying a clear need for such services and reflecting the appetite for such projects

Steps to get it done:

• Buying Equipment & Stationary
• Hiring Tutors and Domestic Cleaner
• Marketing
• Insurance
• Setup Equipment
• New Volunteers
• DBS Checks New Staff and Volunteers
• Open Day

We will make a difference to 80 young people between the age of 9-18 years in the 1st year, 140 young people between the age of 9-18 years in the 2nd year and 200 young people between the age of 9-18 years in the 3rd year. From the 3rd year we will sustain making difference to 200 young people between the age of 9-18 years each year. The impact of supporting young people develop their personal, social and work skills would then have a cascade effect on their families, the local community and local business. It will address the needs of local young people through the delivery of various workshops and vocational training pathways for older members, to increase young peoples’ confidence, self-esteem, emotional and social awareness and employability skills. As the project develops, an in-house peer mentoring scheme will develop, allowing older members of the club to support the younger ones. Over time, this will support the sustainability of the project.