North West Migrants Forum in line for £150,000 funding boost

The Co-Op Foundation has allocated funding of £150,000 to the North West Migrants Forum to help develop youth services in the north west.

Thirteen groups across the uk are set to receive a combined £1.4m over the next five years from the Co-Op Foundation.

In Northern Ireland, the North West Migrants Forum is the only group to receive an allocation from the charity.

The North West Migrants Forum was set up in 2012 to tackle racial inequality and prejudice and to support those seeking sanctuary in the north west.

The £150,000 will allow the organisation to develop its youth services for diverse communities and help young people achieve their full potential.

The Migrants Forum has already begun planning for a summer scheme for up to 40 young people.

Welcoming the announcement of the five-year grant North West Migrants Forum Director of Programmes Lilian Seenoi Barr said: “I am thrilled that we have received this funding from the Co-op Foundation.

“As an organisation founded on a shared commitment to values-based leadership and focused on building a strong community of support, we firmly believe that young people have the power to create positive change in our communities. 

Lilian Seenoi Barr outlining to young people what the funding will mean for them and asking them what services they would like to see developed in the months and years ahead.

“This five-year grant will allow us to create a project packed with opportunities for young people to develop their public speaking abilities, engage in community service and network with professionals in a variety of fields.

“Our long-term plan is to develop sustainable youth services in the north west for diverse communities and to fully embed youth provision in our organisation. This will enable our young people to develop holistically, facilitating their personal, social and educational growth. It will also allow them to develop their voice, influence and place in society and to reach their full potential as well as achieve positions of leadership. 

“Our aim is to prioritise youth activism, shared power and transformation governance. We want to remove barriers for young people and support them into positions of power and leadership.

“We welcome young people interested in activism and those who wish to participate in making decisions that will shape their futures.”