We’re excited to share the projects and groups selected by our Young Grant Makers resident panel 2023-2024. From vital mental health support to creative expression, these initiatives aim to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing, prospects and opportunities in life.
You Are Not Alone Under 20: Body & Soul provides life-saving support to young people facing suicidal thoughts. Through a comprehensive programme, they offer skills courses, casework interventions, and a supportive community to empower young individuals to thrive. Since it first launched through Islington Giving’s support in 2017, it has saved 692 young people’s lives, recording 0 suicides.
Almeida Theatre: Young Artists: Almeida Theatre gives local people aged 16-25 access to world-class artists and resources, breaking down barriers and nurturing creativity. From performances to internships, they focus on supporting young people’s mental and physical health, future employment, and financial independence. The programme reaches 3,000 diverse young people each year, and its charitable partners include St Mary’s Youth Club and Sadler’s Wells.
Zero Responders: YourStance offers life-saving workshops to young people, equipping them with essential mental health strategies. With sessions hosted across the borough in community centres, youth hubs, alternative provisions and sport facilities, the project aim to reach and empower hundreds of youth in need. They aim to reach a minimum of 150 young people each year (450 across the 3 years).
Music Industry Awareness (MIA): Friends of the Rose Bowl provides music education and career development opportunities to aspiring young musicians. Through workshops and studio sessions, they empower youth to pursue their passion and navigate the music industry. MIA also aims to equip young people with transferrable skills, as well as increase and enhance their employability and confidence.
Special Needs cast performing a musical: Daylight Theatre Foundation raises funds to provide children and adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to perform a musical in a professional theatre with professional sets, costumes and professional musicians, captured by a professional film crew. The funding covers the musicians rehearsing with the performers across several months and a mini-documentary of the making of the show.
Marys x Urban Yogis : Elevate, Marys Youth Club offers yoga and mindfulness sessions to young people, promoting physical and emotional well-being. With workshops and trips, they create a supportive environment for personal growth and self-discovery. This project, which will be delivered 39 weeks of the year across two years, will take place at St Marys Neighbourhood Centre. Sessions will include yoga practice and breathing exercises to support emotional regulation, mindfulness and meditation, as well as healthy relationships, mental health, online safety, and serious youth violence.
Ambitious Academy “From the streets to the set” short film project empowers young filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the skills and resources to create impactful stories. Through a 12-month short film project in Islington, they amplify youth voices and foster community connections. To maximise engagement, Ambitious Academy employ a multifaceted approach, engaging local schools, youth organisations, and community centres through targeted outreach to ensure representation from various demographics.
This was an incredibly competitive round – congratulations to all the funded groups and thank you to all those who took the time time to apply. Find out more about our work with local residents and watch this space for our upcoming impact report.
