Winn Group is delighted to confirm its support of Foundation Futures, a youth-focused charity based in Byker Wall.

A donation of £12,000 has been made to facilitate an open access youth provision for young people aged 11-16 living in the local community.

As one of the most deprived areas in England, there is a strong focus on younger people being engaged in positive projects across the area, hence why Foundation Futures was first created.

Helping counter negative influences and behaviours, they aim to provide young people in the area with positive input and the skills required to succeed.

Who are Foundation Futures?

The charity provides a number of different services to the community, including:

• Free and accessible provision that includes a free meal, ensuring no one is excluded due to poverty.
• Diverse youth programmes including open access youth clubs, targeted intervention for at-risk youngsters, and life skills groups.
• Partnerships with other organisations such as the police, housing teams, social services, and youth justice services to ensure the best possible joined-up support for local children.

Jennie Maughan, Director of Youth and Community Engagement at the charity, said: “Foundation Futures was founded in 2014 to support vulnerable young people whose needs were not being met by mainstream education.

“In 2017, after hearing about our work and the young people we support, we were asked by Byker Community Trust if we would like a space on the estate to work with young people in the area.

“Our first youth group was formed in 2018 by young people living on the estate, and when the demand for our youth and community services increased, we formed Foundation Futures CIO to meet the needs of the community.”

How will our collaboration help?

Jennie continued: “The project allows young people to access a safe space with trusted adults where they can participate in activities such as cooking, gaming, sports, crafts and workshops.

“Through the group, they can also participate in the planning and participation of community activities such as our Christmas Parade, residential trips, and summer events. 

“Participation in the group allows young people to build new skills, make friends and participate in positive activities.

“Our youth programmes are specifically designed to cultivate a strong sense of belonging and create opportunities for growth and empowerment.

“We are so grateful to Winn Solicitors for supporting the work we do, allowing us to continue to make a positive impact in Byker.”

Ross Jackson, Deputy CSR Lead at Winn Group, said: “The team at Foundation Futures deliver a vital safe space for youngsters in Byker who wish to access the service.

“Offering a range of services that open up pathways for those that might not otherwise have access to them, Foundation Futures has a profound impact on our local community.

“Giving youngsters a better chance at a brighter future is a great purpose and one that Foundation Futures delivers in one of the most deprived areas of the country.

“We’re proud to assist them in their endeavours, with this being another step in our ever-expanding CSR programme that ensures Winn Group effects tangible positive change in our community.”

Our CSR Programme

Winn Group is pleased to deliver a CSR programme that works with our local community to benefit the next generation.

The funding will be devoted exclusively to projects and initiatives run by charitable organisations that meet all the criteria below:

• The charitable organisation must be registered.
• The charitable organisation or other non-profit organisation should have a focus on helping those in and around the NE6 postcode.
• The charitable organisation or other non-profit organisation should seek to help children and young people under 21 living in circumstances affected by social deprivation and/or disability, or any other form of hardship.
• The projects that will benefit from our support will be projects related to Education, the Arts, Health or Sports.