Grassroots programme boosting opportunities for young people in Bristol

Some communities in Bristol have been struggling with limited opportunities for generations, says the man leading an ambitious grassroots initiative.

Ben Carpenter wants to break the cycle of low aspirations and lack of options for some of the city’s marginalised young people through the launch of a new year-long programme designed to make a real difference.

The Grassroot Activators Programme (GAP) has been a long time in the making and has been developed through conversations with residents of all generations over a number of years.

Having secured the backing from many in the business and voluntary sectors, Ben has now been given the green light to go ahead with GAP this September and wants to promote the opportunity to people aged 16 to 25 across the city.

“Some communities in Bristol have been struggling with limited opportunities for young people for generations,” says Ben Carpenter of Grassroot Communities – photo: Dougie Allward of Studio Duo

“Some communities in Bristol have been struggling with limited opportunities for young people for generations,” he tells Bristol24/7.

“Cuts to the youth service, economic crashes and now Covid has made this even worse. We have developed the GAP after talking with young and older residents over a number of years. It’s not going to change the world, but it’s a real positive step in the right direction.”

The year-long programme will run for two days a week, starting in central Bristol and then out in communities across the city.

The aim is to enrol 16-25 year olds from marginalised neighbourhoods, raise aspirations, create role models and develop realistic pathways to future opportunities based on participants’ passions.

Ben adds: “GAP has the potential to transform young people’s lives, whilst having a positive ripple effect on communities and the wider city as well.”

The cohort of young people will have the opportunity to find their passion and strengths through the programme, which aims to provide a stepping stone into employment, further education or apprenticeships and train individuals with lived experience in marginalised areas of the city in youth, community and nature-based work.

It costs £6,700 to put a young person through GAP for a year. A number of businesses and community organisations have already committed to sponsoring people in the first cohort and Ben is hoping others will be willing to step up and invest in the future youth and community leaders.

Anyone willing to volunteer as a business mentor or sponsor a young person though the course can get in touch via www.facebook.com/grassrootcommunities/ or email info@grassrootcommunities.org.

Main photo: Grassroot Communities

Source: https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/grassroots-programme-boosting-opportunities-for-young-people-in-bristol/

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