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Reaching Higher awarded £123,353 through Lead the Change
Reaching Higher in Croydon has been awarded £123,353 over three years by ̽»¨ÊÓƵ 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 21 organisations 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 Croydon will enable Reaching Higher to provide a safe, inclusive after-school hub where young people lead - using surplus donated food to cook for one another, developing leadership skills, co-designing activities, growing in confidence and building healthy relationships.
We are proud to have been awarded £123,353 over three years through Lead the Change, a funding programme empowering young people to build stronger, more connected communities. This funding will enable us to deliver enriching and engaging programmes through our Youth Caff project, creating more opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive.
Jenai McNeish-Reid, Reaching Higher
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.
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