South Hams charity to help young people with ‘lockdown loneliness’ thanks to vital National Lottery funding

Young people at risk of ‘lockdown loneliness’ and social isolation in South Hams are to be supported by a ‘Digital Youth Work’ project set up by local charity Youth Genesis Trust, thanks to a new National Lottery grant.

The vital funding has been awarded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. In total, 30 community projects in Devon received a share of £580,000 in May, with most projects delivering activities to reduce social isolation and loneliness in this difficult time.

Youth Genesis Trust, based in Paignton, is using its £8,000 grant to set up a new online support service for vulnerable young people, aged 11-19, across South Hams.

Over a period of 12 weeks, a team of qualified youth workers and volunteers will deliver a range of support. Every weekday, young people will be able to speak to the youth workers via text message and a moderated ‘live chat’ on Facebook. Young people will also be invited to join virtual youth spaces once a week, where they will discuss their issues and focus on positive outcomes – alongside virtual activities such as cooking, crafts and music.

The good news of this funding was announced during Loneliness Awareness Week (15 – 19 June), an annual event to raise awareness of loneliness, break the stigma attached to it and encourage people to speak about the issue openly. It also follows new research* from the Office of National Statistics showing that more than 7 million people in Britain have suffered from ‘lockdown loneliness’ – including half all of 18 to 24-year-olds surveyed.

Jon Oliverio, Chief Executive Officer at Youth Genesis Trust, said: “Some of the young people we support face serious adversity. We know that some of them will be in lockdown in some challenging circumstances, especially those from low income families. They’re frustrated by not being able to go out, and have said that regular online activities would be a great way to stay connected and positive.

“We anticipate that over 150 young people will be supported, thanks to this grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. It’s a genuine lifeline for a lot of them – many are at risk of social isolation, which can then lead to other issues spiralling out of control.”

“We want to say a big thank you – from staff, volunteers and our young people – to National Lottery players, who make this vital work possible at this difficult time.”

Bradley was a regular attendee at Youth Genesis Trust sessions and activities, and is a keen footballer.

In March, Bradley’s grandfather was taken into hospital with COVID-19 and sadly died three days later. Bradley was very close to his grandfather - they used to go to local football matches together.

The situation left Bradley devastated. He had already stopped attending sessions at Youth Genesis Trust, and the lockdown prevented him being offered any face-to-face support.

Bradley used Youth Genesis’ digital support service to contact a youth worker, who was able to support him every day and help him through the cycle of grief - even if it was just a chat about how Bradley and his family were feeling on a given day.

The youth worker was also able to signpost Bradley to other local organisations who could help, particularly around bereavement.

After a few weeks of sustained support, Bradley is reporting he’s ‘doing exercise, sleeping healthily and getting up early, eating well and feeling a lot happier and brighter’.

** Name changed for anonymity

More than £550,000 of National Lottery funding has gone to nearly 50 projects tackling loneliness and social isolation across the South West of England since the lockdown began.

Tom McCulloch, Head of Funding for the South West at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to fund thousands of projects working in many different ways to help reduce loneliness and isolation in the UK. As we all adapt to profound changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling stigma around loneliness and making it okay to ask for help are more important than ever.

“Loneliness is affecting people from all walks of life while we are physically apart in these difficult times. The incredible groups we fund are a powerful force for good – supporting people to connect, reducing feelings of isolation and helping communities come together in new and inspiring ways.”

Going forward, The National Lottery Community Fund will continue to prioritise getting funding to groups best placed to support their communities at this vital time and also towards those seeking to rebuild as the crisis abates.

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded over half a billion pounds (£511.1 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK and supported over 12,000 projects to turn their great ideas into reality. 90% of the grants it makes are for under £10,000 – going to grassroots groups and charities across the UK that are bringing to life amazing ideas that matter to their communities.

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk