Clarion Futures, the philanthropic arm of Clarion Housing Group, which manages thousands of homes throughout Yorkshire, has allocated £5,500 to fund two local initiatives providing complimentary summer activities for children and youth.
Clarion Futures, the charitable arm of Clarion Housing Group, which oversees numerous homes across Yorkshire, has distributed £5,500 to two local initiatives aimed at providing free summer activities for children and youth. The Bradford-based charity E:merge is one of the recipients. The funding will assist in managing a diverse activity schedule for up to 200 young people.
We work to build positive relationships with all young people with a focus on reaching and engaging those who feel marginalised or isolated. Our goal is to enable all young people to become part of a community within which they can thrive, develop and reach their potential. We are motivated by our Christian faith and values to inspire, empower and build resilience in young people of all backgrounds, faiths and cultures.
In collaboration with local youth leaders, E:merge has crafted a program that includes a week of various activities in a local park, such as sports, arts and crafts, and music sessions; a week dedicated to sports coaching and competitions; a three-day coastal field trip focusing on team building and enjoyment; and a series of day outings involving walks, bike rides, and exploratory visits to cultural sites, all gearing up for the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
The Youth Association will use its grant to back a project in the Halton Moor region of Leeds, led by young residents of Clarion. This initiative is designed to provide relief during the cost of living crisis by distributing food parcels and volunteering at a local food surplus hub. The project also aims to challenge negative stereotypes about youth and enhance the sense of security and support among the elderly in the community.
This funding initiative is launched in response to recent findings by Coram Family and Childcare, which show a 6% increase in holiday childcare costs across Great Britain since last summer. According to the research, working parents are now facing an average expense of £175 per child each week, amounting to over £1,000 for a six-week break. Additionally, the report highlighted a nationwide reduction in available holiday childcare options, with noticeable declines in all categories of services in England over the past year.
To address these growing concerns, the Summer Activities Grant Programme was introduced, providing financial assistance ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 to organizations within Clarion communities. These grants support the provision of free summer activities for children and young people aged 11-18. This year, 17 organizations across the country have benefited from over £45,000 in grants through this new scheme.
Andy Sykes, CEO of E:merge said:
“I’d like to say a big thank you to Clarion Futures for the funding they’ve given us. The positive activities on offer through our programme will reduce the boredom which some young people feel over the summer holidays and provide opportunities which are accessible to all, regardless of financial situation.
“As well as having fun, we’re hoping that the young people will come away from our activities having learned all sorts of skills and with a renewed sense of confidence and positivity which will support them on their return to school in September.”
Matt Parsonage, Head of Communities at Clarion Futures said:
“We know that the school holidays can be pressure points for many families, with children from lower income households often left behind when it comes to access to experiences and opportunities. This combined with growing shortages of holiday childcare means that working parents are often in need of a helping hand when summer rolls around.
“That’s why we’ve launched this new grants programme to provide opportunities for children and young people living in Clarion communities, and we’re delighted to be working with these two fantastic organisations to make a real difference this summer and beyond.”
To find out more about the opportunities on offer through E:merge both during holidays and throughout the year please call 01274 660244 or email info@emergeonline.org.uk
