THE WEST Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner given £100,000 to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games legacy programme Gen 22.
The funding will go to projects across the region that work with young people already engaged in, or at risk of falling into the criminal justice system.
Gen22 is designed with and for young people who might otherwise struggle to access Games related opportunities often facing barriers including lack of confidence, being a young carer or young parent or having a criminal record.
Following the launch of the Gen22 programme in October 2021, 216 young people have completed 30-hour volunteering assignments with designated assignment providers – this was run alongside the National Citizenship Service.
One of the projects that will be supported is Sport 4 Life UK’s project – Future Wise – which will enable youth-led social action events in local community areas along with employability workshops and sports activities to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
An additional four projects will be funded including Blue Jay Exchange CIC – a film making project called Based in Brum: Sparkbrook and Small Heath Heritage Stories and Sports Key – a project called Sports Key Future Leaders which will allow young people to lead community sport sessions, providing them with planning and leadership skills.
Tom McNeil, assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, said: “We believe in the potential of all young people across the West Midlands and this funding will allow us to work together to create a meaningful legacy from the Games.
“We want to work in partnership to help young people build confidence and feel included.”
Nicola Turner, director of legacy at Birmingham 2022, said: “It is incredible to see that this programme is already providing benefits and making a difference to young people lives in the region.
“I would encourage businesses, charities and organisations across various sectors to sign up to support this initiative and help deliver these essential life skills and experiences to 16–24-year-olds, offering them a range of potential career related benefits.”
