Jake & Kara, Boxy
Young people in Birmingham are set to lead three new community initiatives in the city, thanks to funding from United By 2022, the legacy charity of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
As part of United By 2022’s Ideas Made Real programme, the charity has awarded grants to three Birmingham-based social action projects, totalling £12,000.
The programme, which is open to those aged 16 to 24, gives young people across the West Midlands the chance to turn their powerful ideas and youth social action projects into reality.
Young project leaders were invited to apply for an Ideas Made Real Award of up to £5,000, with each successful applicant also receiving mentoring and support from United By 2022’s specialist youth team and an assigned partner organisation, to help them deliver their project.
Successful recipients of funding in Birmingham include:
- Boxy – an initiative that will create sport boxes for young people through a mix of recycled and gifted sports equipment, such as football boots, socks, shinpads and shorts.
- Echoes of Culture – a community-based programme raising awareness of cultural hybridity and exploring identity through dance.
- Rising Levels – a project that will provide warm nutritious meals for the homeless and provide opportunities for them to use their voice to help improve their quality of life.
Nicola Turner, CEO of United By 2022, said:
“We’re proud to support these vital social action projects, which give young people in Birmingham the chance to use their creativity, skills and energy to give back to their local communities. From music and dance to sport and food, each initiative provides opportunities for participants to make positive change, while connecting with other like-minded young people.
“At United By 2022, we’re strong advocates for local communities, young people and volunteers, and the Ideas Made Real initiative provides crucial mentorship and investment to help youth projects take flight. We hope this dedicated funding in Birmingham will drive forward real social impact across the city – to the benefit of communities and individuals most in need.”
Hadija, project leader for Echoes of Culture, said:
“Echoes of Culture is a community-focused programme raising awareness of cultural hybridity and exploring identity through dance, shaped by diverse art forms and lived experience. Thank you to United By 2022 for supporting me with this project – I’m looking forward to seeing it come to life!”
The United By 2022 Ideas Made Real campaign is open to young people aged 16 to 24, living in the seven local authorities of the West Midlands – Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Since its initial launch in 2022, a total of 44 community projects have been funded by the programme, supporting 48 young people in bringing their social action ideas to life.
For more information on United By 2022, visit www.unitedby2022.com.
