Pride Action North has been awarded £55,000 from the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership (NIECP) where Northumberland County Council is the Lead Accountable Body for the funding. This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority.
The fund is a substantial fund dedicated to supporting the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in South East Northumberland which is part of a broader £1.5 million initiative aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth and community well-being in South East Northumberland.
The revenue grant awarded will be used to launch Roaming Roots, an innovative community project designed to engage young people across various community settings to address social and economic disparities. The project is strategically targeted towards diverse wards, particularly those with limited provisions and inadequate public transport.
Roaming Roots serves as an adaptable catalyst for youth work, primarily operating on a detached basis to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to community needs. At the heart of this project is a strong emphasis on collaboration with local stakeholders, aiming to tackle critical issues such as anti-social behaviour, mental health challenges, well-being concerns, and social isolation.
Darren Irvine-Duffy, Chair of Pride Action North said, “We’re proud to be facilitating and leading such a dynamic and inclusive project for young people in South East Northumberland wards. In areas that lack permanent provision, this project offers a dynamic solution to some of the most pressing social and economic challenges in our region”
One of the key components of Roaming Roots is our commitment to sustainability. The project will use data gathering techniques to understand and address the needs of beneficiaries and stakeholders. This data-driven approach will help consolidate outreach efforts into four main hubs, minimising environmental impact and contributing to broader climate sustainability goals.
The project is also focused on enhancing community resilience and pride through volunteering and upskilling opportunities. By empowering local youth and community members, Roaming Roots aims to create lasting positive impacts on overall well-being, fostering a sense of community cohesion and support.
Angela Brudenell, Charity Manager at Pride Action North, added, “This funding allows us to make a significant impact in the communities we serve. By focusing on collaboration and sustainability, Roaming Roots will not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term positive change.”
To find out more about Pride Action’s North project email support@prideactionnorth.org.uk.
Find out more about the funding at https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Economy-Regeneration/Programmes/Pathways-to-Work/Northumberland-Inclusive-Economy-Community-Partner.aspx or contact Northumberland County Council’s VCS Employability and Communities Lead at adam.gray@northumberland.gov.uk