In Innovation (PIN) scheme, we look at how the Cupboard Project's Common Ground initiative has helped to address the needs of young asylum seekers in south Leeds.
The south Leeds-based Cupboard Project, which has addressed the health needs of young asylum seekers since 1997, has made strides forward in the past year with the support of funding from Partners In Innovation (PIN).
Following consultation with young people, it has adopted a more holistic approach to health needs. The Cupboard Project is now an integral part of South Leeds Health For All, a community health development organisation.
Common Ground @ The Cupboard builds on this partnership approach, with other project partners being LEAP (Children's Society) and young people.
The project offers young people the opportunities, support and information they need to reach their full potential and to become confident, valued members of society.
It starts by meeting young people where they are, listening to them and responding to their expressed needs. It has a strong track record of prioritising those young people who are in greatest need - and young people who are also asylum seekers have been identified as a group in need of additional support.
They face high levels of discrimination, prejudice, greater isolation and frequently have little power over their lives, a situation exacerbated if their English is poor.
The PIN funding is enabling the project to further develop this support and offer marginalised young people additional one-to-one support.
It also offers drop-in support, work in small groups and development opportunities that include volunteering placements and participation activities, often working alongside and influencing important decision-makers.
- For more on this project and other Partners in Innovation projects, visit The National Youth Agency
web site at www.nya.org.uk.
