|
Community Space Challenge is a £8.3 million five year programme funded through the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces Initiative. It is managed by Catch22 (formerly Rainer Crime Concern) and supported by Keep Britain Tidy, The Prince’s Trust, Changemakers and the Youth Justice Board.
Community Space Challenge is about supporting young people to take a leading role in transforming the environment where they live. In 2006 we asked projects who work with young people to submit their ideas for environmental projects. The 70 best initiatives were then picked to receive funding to bring the ideas to life.
Working in neighbourhoods all over England, the Community Space Challenge encompasses a wide range of environmental initiatives. These include creating community gardens, replacing graffiti with art murals, building new nature trails, establishing new allotment sites, and cleaning up grot spots.
All 70 projects are being delivered by organisations who work with young people to provide positive alternatives to getting involved in antisocial behaviour and crime. We already know that initiatives which break down barriers between generations and cultures are very successful in improving the chances for young people to be the best they can.
As the plants, trees and ideas planted at the start of the Community Space Challenge grow, so of course, will the young people involved. Our ultimate aim is that the visible improvements made across 70 communities will also be reflected in the lives of the young people involved and their families, friends and neighbours. |
