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Communities and Schools to Work Together

Communities are to work with schools, inspiring young people to unlock their talents as part of a £10m Inspiring Communities initiative.

The Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced the initiative following the publication of the Government’s New Opportunities White Paper which argued that, whilst social mobility has improved in recent years, young people living in deprived areas are less likely to aim high.

The initiative will encourage schools to work with their local communities to help pupils make the link between doing well in education and doing well in life. It supports the sustainable schools initiative, which promotes community cohesion and encourages schools to work with their communities to achieve well-being.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said: “Sometimes a young person can’t get the breaks they deserve or don’t have a sense of what’s out there for them because the people around them fail to see their potential. We need to turn this around.

“The communities where young people live should not hold them back; they should be the source of inspiration and practical support that will help them to achieve. This programme is about getting all the people in communities who want the very best for their children and for their area to work together to make the difference.”

Inspiring Communities will support people in deprived communities to develop innovative campaigns and activities designed to raise the achievement of young people, broaden their horizons and build up self esteem.

The programme is designed to put local people - parents, neighbours, businesses, teachers, voluntary groups and councils - in the driving seat to harness their collective knowledge, energy, resources and enthusiasm to boost the aspirations and achievements of young people.

Funding will be made available to up to 15 neighbourhoods (comprising between 5,000 and 10,000 residents) who will receive up to £450,000 and expert help over the next 2 years to design and deliver projects and activities.

Beverley Hughes, Children and Young People’s Minister said: “This is a great opportunity for parents, businesses and everyone who works with young people to come up with ideas to engage and benefit the young people in their communities. We know most young people are doing well and working hard at school, so I am delighted that this initiative will give them the chance to demonstrate their skills and talents and the valuable contribution that they can make to their communities.”