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Sunderland All Together Consortium CIO in Sunderland has been awarded £123,353 over three years by Community Foundation North East through Lead the Change, a funding programme supporting young people to build stronger, more connected communities.
A total of £2.6 million has been awarded to 21organisations across the UK to support local projects that will empower young people to build stronger connections within their communities, address division and drive positive social change.
The 21 youth-led projects were selected by a panel of 10 young grant-makers, aged 19-25, from across the UK, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences to the decision-making process.
The newly funded organisations will work alongside young people to create safe and inclusive spaces, support youth-led social action, build leadership skills, and encourage meaningful participation in community life. Through workshops, mentoring, community projects, and opportunities to influence decision-making, young people will be empowered to challenge harmful narratives, strengthen positive relationships, and drive change in their local communities.
The funding to Sunderland will enable Sunderland All Together Consortium to support the delivery of local youth panels across Sunderland’s five areas, including funding for a sessional youth worker and apprentice hours to facilitate participation of youth-led decision making. Through local youth panels, young people will have the opportunity to influence decisions and develop leadership skills in their communities.
Pete Barrett, Senior Programme Advisor at Community Foundation North East, said:
“We’re delighted to be distributing Lead the Change funding to support Sunderland All Together Consortium in empowering young people across the city. This three-year investment will help establish youth panels in Sunderland’s five areas, giving young people a stronger voice in shaping their communities. Most importantly, it will create opportunities for young people to come together, share their ideas and take meaningful action on the issues that matter most to them.”
Lead the Change is delivered in partnership with BBC Children in Need, Co-op Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation, Joseph Levy Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Postcode Justice Trust, UK Community Foundations and The National Lottery Community Fund.
