We’re delighted to have been selected as a delivery partner for East End Community Foundation’s Life Chances campaign supporting young people’s wellbeing and employment…

The East End Community Foundation is a grant-maker and philanthropy advisor dedicated to improving lives in the East End.  For over 30 years, it has been working to tackle inequality in the London boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and the City of London. 

Through its new Life Chances Campaign, EECF is working with its delivery partners – including us at BDCA – to tackle these issues by providing the targeted support young people need to increase confidence and develop key skills to improve their employment opportunities.

Tracey Walsh, CEO at EECF says, “We know how big the challenges are. That’s why we’re funding these incredible organisations who are leading the way in empowering and supporting young people.”

EECF recognises that while the East End is one of the most diverse and vibrant areas of London, it has some of the highest levels of poverty amongst children and older people in the country. The pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities, meaning the East End has been the hardest hit by unemployment, loneliness, deprivation and social exclusion. A quarter of 18-24-year-olds were furloughed or lost their jobs during the pandemic and 1 in 6 are experiencing poor mental health. Vulnerable young people lack safe spaces and are at higher risk of engaging in gangs, substance misuse and other harmful practices.

Stacey Cordery, Director of Children, Youth and Families Provision at Bonny Downs Community Association, says:

“From supporting us to feed our hungry neighbours at the height of the pandemic to helping us deliver our ‘GoWild!’ summer scheme with the opportunity for local young people gain valuable voluntary and paid work experience, we’re deeply grateful for the partnership of East End Community Foundation – and we’re proud to be a delivery partner for the Life Chances campaign!”

Families can sign up for this summer’s GoWild! summer scheme here.