Aviva Foundation provides funding boost for UK Youth Sector

Aviva has announced multiple funding partnerships via the Future Chances Fund. The funding will be provided through the Aviva Foundation, which is independent of Aviva. The Foundation’s funding complements the insurer’s long-term commitment to support communities in its core employment locations across the UK.

About the Aviva Foundation

The Aviva Foundation aims to help people become more financially resilient. The Foundation’s Future Chances Fund focuses specifically on supporting organisations that strengthen the employability chances of young people facing barriers due to inequality and discrimination. ONS data reveals that young people in particular, face challenges around employment and training, with 12% of people aged 16-24 falling into the NEET category - not in education, employment, or training.*

About the beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of the Future Chances Fund donations are decided based on the impact the funding will have, and after thorough consultation with local stakeholders and young people in the communities themselves.

Bristol:

1625 Independent People is a charity that works with young people who are at risk, homeless, or leaving care in Bristol and the South-West. Established in the city over 40 years ago, the charity creates opportunities for young people facing employment and education challenges, to inspire them to re-enter education, develop key life skills and take the next steps on their journey to economic and financial independence.

Norwich:

Your Own Place CIC is a social enterprise that has supported over 1,400 people since 2013 and equips people at risk of homelessness with financial knowledge, skills and support networks to improve their independence and confidence at any stage of their social or private renting tenancy journey.

YMCA Norfolk’s ‘Work Ready’ programme provides participants with invaluable opportunities to gain practical skills, explore various industries, and develop a deeper understanding of their career interests and aspirations. This builds on the foundation of the YMCA’s existing ‘Life Ready’ programme to further enrich the development of young individuals. 

Perth:

Perth Autism Support is an organisation founded in 2011 to help support autistic children and their families in Perth and Kinross. They support around 240 people every week to get education and training, giving young people with autism experience of different environments and activities.

York:

In York, the funding will go to two charities that support young people from marginalised communities.

RAY are a dedicated service for refugees and asylum seekers based in York and have been delivering for the community for over 22 years. They provide a safe space where young people can learn new skills, form friendships, and get the support they need to enter education or employment.

Volunteer it Yourself (VIY) is a community interest company that challenges young people to help repair and refurbish community places and spaces, whilst learning vocational trade skills on the job. They are working with the York Travellers Trust to help offer free, short-term work experience placements for young people, including those from Gypsy and Traveller communities, between the ages of 14 and 24, who may not be engaged in employment, education, or training. Their goal is to provide valuable skills, practical experience, and Entry Level City and Guilds accreditations, through renovating a vital community asset to the local Gypsy and Traveller community of York. 

Alex Christopoulos, Aviva Foundation Lead said: “The Aviva Foundation is committed to supporting communities to help them get ready for the future, so we’re delighted to partner with these brilliant local organisations, who already work tirelessly to improve the education and employment chances for young people across the UK. As a key part of the funding selection process, we liaised closely with representatives from local government and civil society, and most importantly, young people from the communities themselves, so we can get a true understanding of the barriers that they face and ensure the funding is focused where it’s needed most”.

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References:

^{*Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), UK - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)}

^{The Aviva Foundation is independent of Aviva and is administered by Charities Trust under charity registration number 327489.} 

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