New funding will support marginalised young people in Banbury

YOUNG Adults in Banbury are set to be given potentially life-changing opportunities thanks to a generous donation from St James’ Place Charitable Foundation. Supporting the work of Nicodemus, the funding will help support the charity’s desire to see young adults in Banbury, and throughout the UK reach their full potential and escape the grips of poverty and isolation that so many find themselves in.

Nicodemus works in the UK and in Guatemala with young adults aged 16-25yrs from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing unconditional social, relational and economic support to help them make the right life choices and realise opportunities not otherwise available.

The charity’s Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) UK which started in 2014, in Banbury, Oxon is centred on a mentoring structure which provides group and long-term 1-2-1 mentoring for those who want it while also including all young people in monthly activities.

Over 90% of the youth Nicodemus interacts with have experienced some form of abuse, family breakdown, homelessness and/or mental health conditions and have been in some form of residential or foster care. Also, there is a level of alienation by society who may misunderstand these young people, contributing to further isolation which can make youth more prone to negative influences.

This is what Alice (name changed), the first mentee as part of the YLP Banbury, says about her personal experience: When you think of ‘mentoring’ you think of guidance, making right life choices and reaching your ambitions but this is so much more. My mentors have helped me in many ways; from career, housing advice, teaching me right from wrong, to how to cook roast potatoes! They have been my friend. They have given me hope through setbacks and helped me build my confidence again. They make me aspire to be a better person. So, mentoring is more than guidance. It’s hope, friendship and a blessing.”

Gary Bricknell of Bricknell Wealth Management, based in Banbury representing St. James’s Place said: “Knowing the charity Nicodemus and the great work they have for helping young adults, I felt this aligns with the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation theme of helping those less fortunate than ourselves. The foundation is very proud to support Nicodemus.”

For more information on the work of Nicodemus in the UK and Guatemala, visit www.nicodemuscharity.org.uk

The post New funding will support marginalised young people in Banbury appeared first on Charity Today News.