Manningham Housing Association (MHA) and Hollings Youth Association (HYA) have joined forces to secure funds for youth initiatives in Bradford.
They combined their expertise to apply for a grant of £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Awards for All’ scheme to deliver an array of targeted activities for young people, aged from 10 to 25.
Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive, said he hoped the money would kickstart an exciting new beginning for many younger members of the community in Manningham.
“The Board of Manningham Housing Association recently approved a Community Investment Strategy which lays out our continued commitment to support, engage and invest in community sustainability,” he said.
“We have previously collaborated with HYA and are firm admirers of the wonderful work they do. It was a pleasure to partner with them in putting together the Big Lottery Fund application and I am delighted for the young people who will benefit directly.
“However, we must view the ‘Award for All’ as merely the beginning of a longer-term approach. Other funding streams are being explored because sustainability is key.
“The coronavirus lockdown has been tough for everyone, including young people. The new activities will be worth waiting for and I look forward to these being rolled out as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
Imran Khan, HYA chair, said he was thrilled that the application had been approved, and revealed that a delivery plan was being jointly finalised with MHA.
“HYA began working on the application with MHA last year, long before the present difficulties relating to coronavirus,” he said.
“The programme we are putting together will range from bespoke skills development projects through to anti-obesity initiatives to promote health and wellbeing. It is vital that everyone feels they have a stake in their local community, particularly young people.
“There is no doubt that the next few months will be tough, but I firmly believe that areas like Manningham will emerge from these challenges stronger than ever before. Exciting times lie ahead.”