The programme supporting young people to be the change they want to see

A lack of opportunities and role models all too often hinder the aspirations of young people from marginalised communities.

Leaders of an ambitious grassroots-led project are setting out to prove there is a different way that has the potential to benefit entire communities – and they are seeking support from businesses and organisations across Bristol.

“This impacts everyone, these young people are literally the future of the city,” says Ben Carpenter, speaking about the Grassroot Activators Programme (GAP)

A year-long initiative delivered over two days a week for 16 to 25-year-olds from marginalised communities, GAP seeks to raise aspirations, create role models and develop realistic pathways to future opportunities.

The cohort of young people will have the opportunity to find their passion and strengths through the programme, which aims to provide a stepping stone into employment, further education or apprenticeships and train individuals with lived experience in marginalised areas of the city in youth, community and nature-based work.

“The best resource we have in youth work is youth workers. If we are not investing in people, how do we expect them to go into those roles?” Asks Ben, speaking over a coffee in the Lounge on North Street, a fast-changing area of Bristol he first moved to as a teenager.

Coming from “humble beginnings”, the founder of Grassroot Communities had challenges at home that meant he didn’t excel in school but eventually found his skills and passion lie in youth work.

He is frustrated by the lack of positive change for marginalised communities, which has only been exacerbated by the “decimation” of youth services over the last decade, and is now pioneering a new model of seeking funding from the private sector, as well as public and voluntary.

It costs £6,700 to put a young person through GAP for a year. A number of businesses and community organisations have already committed to sponsoring five individuals in the first cohort and Ben is hoping others will be willing to step up and invest in the future youth and community leaders.

Ben Carpenter of Grassroot Communities has already secured sponsorship from five businesses and organisations to put five young people through GAP – photo: Dougie Allward of Studio Duo

“The general themes are lack of opportunities, lack of role models and low aspirations,” explains Ben. “They’re all obvious problems but if they are obvious problems, why are we not doing something about it?

“This provides young people with an opportunity to learn lots of different skills that will support them in their journey through life.”

He adds: “I just believe that there’s a better way to support young people to become the best that they can be. When they are problem-solving, they are problem-solving in their own communities, so they are building community support from within.”

The GAP modules have been developed in consultation with young people, their families and communities in south Bristol although it will be rolled out citywide. The programme will connect young people with their own communities and others from different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds, celebrating both differences and similarities across the city. The aim is for the first cohort to start in September this year.

Individuals, businesses and organisations interested in sponsoring the programme, or supporting in other ways can find out more information via www.facebook.com/grassrootcommunities/ or email [email protected].

Grassroot Communities seeks to support young people to be the catalyst for the changes they want to see – photo: Grassroot Communities

Main photo and film: Dougie Allward of Studio Duo 

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