National Express Foundation pledges £200,000 in funding to support young people recover from the pandemic

The National Express Foundation, a charity that helps disadvantaged young people, has once again pledged life changing sums of money to young people via community groups.

Now in its 10th year of operation, The National Express Foundation has helped over 23,500 young people since it was established. The latest grant of £200,000 is expected to benefit over 1,750 young people by helping groups to deliver developmental, educational and social activities in the community.

Tom Stables, Chair of Trustees for the National Express Foundation said: “We are delighted to be able to support 24 community groups from across the West Midlands with this round of funding.

“The pandemic has presented so many challenges to all of us. For young people it has even been harder as they have missed out on so many things they would normally have done, and the experiences which shape their lives.

“We are proud to support community groups that help young people gain the qualifications they need, to build the skills that will help them get jobs, and to help them develop constructive social networks outside of education or work.”

Sarah Caldwell, Fundraising and Grants Manager at Queen Alexandra College in Birmingham said: “This funding will enable us to offer an outreach provision for young people with disabilities who have been affected by the Covid situation, helping them connect with others and identify barriers they face. 

“Our project will help individuals rebuild their confidence and resilience, supporting them in accessing services and opportunities within their local community (which may include volunteering), building their social and support networks along the way.

“We’d like to thank National Express so much for their support, it really will make a difference”

Sally Dennis, Operations Manager at Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid said: “This funding will make a difference to young women’s lives who have lived unimaginable experiences of physical, emotional, financial, sexual abuse and coercive control, which have been further exacerbated by Covid due to isolation and additional pressures of being unable to access services that can support them. 

“The fund will enable us to enhance their lives by creating new experiences, develop new skills, support education and learning, lessen the sense of isolation, build friendships which in turn will increase young women’s confidence but ultimately will allow young women to just be young and have fun!”

The full list of community groups to benefit from the Foundation’s 2021 community grant funding are:

Balsall Heath CATS

Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid 

Blessed 2 Bless Community Project

ConnectEd Charitable Foundation 

EmployabilityUK 

Excite Active CIC

Friar Park Millennium Centre 

Hall Green Youth 

Ileys Community Association 

InPower Academy CIC 

Inspired 2 Connect CIC

Kids In Communication 

Let Us Play

Loaves N Fishes

Longford Short Football 

New Heights Warren Farm Community Project

Olio Hub

Queen Alexandra College (QAC)

Supportive Learning CIC 

T.P. Riley Community Association

The Cultural Connection 

The Inspire Group

TLC College 

Wild Earth 

You can read more about the National Express Foundation here. Plans for the funding programme for 2022 is being progressed, check the website for more details.