Grant helps charity launch project to build confidence

A Cramlington community charity is expanding support for vulnerable young people through a new programme designed to build confidence, strengthen relationships and reduce social isolation.

The Rockets Community Foundation has launched its Beyond The Classroom project, aimed at helping young people aged 13 to 16 who have experienced significant challenges, including severe anxiety.

Backed by a £2000 grant from the County Durham-headquartered Banks Group’s community fund, the initiative will provide a range of off-site experiences, creative activities and social opportunities throughout the year. 

Officials say the funding will cover transport, activity and staffing costs, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent participation.

The project is designed to help young people develop self-confidence, improve peer relationships and engage more positively with their communities, supported by trusted adults who understand their individual needs.

Steve Beaty, Rockets Community Foundation lead, said: “Our Beyond The Classroom participants have all experienced really difficult situations and experiences during their young lives, meaning that things that many of us take for granted are extremely difficult for them to even think about.

“Our aim is to help build up participants’ self-confidence and give them more of the life skills they’ll need to manage these sorts of public situations in the future.

“Our first group activity was a visit to Nando’s, with the trip being the first time that some of the group had ever been in a restaurant or felt comfortable with the idea of going there. 

“Being able to order their meals for themselves and then eat them in public was a very challenging prospect for many of them, but the conversation around the table and the feedback that we had from everyone afterwards was really positive and made us feel really optimistic about what we can all achieve together.

“Banks’ support will make a huge difference to what we’re able to put on and achieve over the coming months, and will help to ensure that no-one misses out on activities that we know will make a real difference to their lives in both the short and long-term.”

Beyond The Classroom builds on the Foundation’s existing Teen Talk programme, which offers a safe space for local young people to socialise, learn practical skills and discuss issues affecting their lives.

The Rockets Community Foundation grew from the outreach work of Cramlington Rockets RLFC and now supports more than 1000 young people annually through activities delivered from its Launchpad community hub.

Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, whose community funds are independently managed by Point North, added: “The Foundation has a clear understanding of the needs of its community and makes such a positive impact on lots of local lives through all its different activities.

“The Beyond The Classroom project has been carefully designed to support vulnerable young people’s development in the most appropriate ways and we hope that the Foundation achieves all its project goals.”

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