Two organisations have received a £230,000 windfall from The Aviva Foundation.
Your Own Place CIC has been given £70,000 and £160,000 has been awarded to YMCA Norfolk.
These grants aim to strengthen the future employability of young people within Norwich, a key location for Aviva offices.
Your Own Place CIC has assisted more than 1,400 individuals since 2013 by providing essential knowledge and practical support relating to housing, employment, and cost of living.
This funding will enable increased support for young people who have had care experience, with the intention of reducing discrimination towards this group.
Your Own Place CIC and YMCA Norfolk have received the grant (Image: Submitted)
The practical support offered by the social enterprise comprises both individual sessions and small group workshops.
These initiatives target areas such as employment, financial inclusion, and housing support, with benefits including reduced isolation and new connections.
YMCA Norfolk will utilise the funding to establish their 'Work Ready' programme aimed at giving participants a deeper understanding of their career interests and aspirations.
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This initiative builds upon the existing 'Life Ready' programme, set to foster the development of young individuals further.
Alex Christopoulos, Aviva Foundation Lead said: “As a key part of the funding selection process, we liaised closely with representatives from local government and civil society, and most importantly, young people from the communities themselves, so we can get a true understanding of the barriers that they face and ensure the funding is focused where it’s needed most.”
Rebecca White, CEO of Your Own Place CIC, said: “With eight out of 10 jobs obtained through connections rather than advertised and young care experienced people least likely to have these connections, it is no surprise then that one third of young people leaving care are likely to experience homelessness at some point in their lives."
YMCA Norfolk's CEO, John Lee, expressed gratitude for the funding, which allows them to continue working to dismantle barriers that young people face concerning education, training, and employment.
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