Charity support bodies to be established in London

The initiative, which is backed by John Lyon’s Charity and the City Bridge Trust, will see £1.2m given to set up foundations in the boroughs of Barnet, Brent and Harrow.

The foundations – Young Barnet, Young Brent and Young Harrow – will provide support to voluntary organisations working with children and young people in the areas by looking at ways to increase revenue through commissions from local authorities, and create a "bank" of venues that groups can share to run projects from.

The foundations will also distribute a small grant fund and help increase sector capacity by providing advice sessions, training events, and a forum to share ideas and best practice.

They have been developed in collaboration with funders including local authorities, local voluntary sector groups and housing associations, and will have their own steering groups and board of trustees.

Susan Whiddington, chair of John Lyon’s Charity, said: “Our experience in Barnet, Brent and Harrow has revealed that organisations working in the children and young people's sector are facing multiple issues.

“The foundations will help unite a traditionally fragmented and diverse sector, giving it a louder and more prominent voice and a more sustainable future.” 

David Farnsworth, director of City Bridge Trust, added: “Against a backdrop of cuts, it’s important that organisations – including funders – work together, pooling their resources to support those working with the most vulnerable young people. 

??“We are confident that this joint funding will help to strengthen the children and young people's sector and help to create a model of best practice for other London boroughs.”