Public health funds project with vulnerable children

The three-year, £180,000 project, will engage 120 disadvantaged children in a range of activities, including outdoor community work, that are designed to improve their self-esteem, teach them new skills and raise their aspirations.

The children, aged between eight- and 12-years-old, live on the Manton and Coxmoor estates in Worksop and Kirby-in-Ashfield, and have been selected for the project because they are deemed at risk of offending or have low school attendance.

The funding for the project was secured by Nottinghamshire County Council from public health funds, which councillor Liz Plant, vice-chair for children and young people’s services, says is an innovative way of funding work at a time when children's services budgets are being cut.

She said: “As project commissioners, we can ensure that the project is delivering on the outcomes set out at the start to support the children who take part. 

“In the context of the current budget proposals, this is also a good example of how we work with partner agencies to secure funds from different sources to deliver vital projects.” 

The project is to be delivered by the council in partnership with children's charity Barnardo's.

Sue Whitehead, children’s service manager for Barnardo’s in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, added: “We are extremely proud to be working in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council and supporting children and families in the communities of Worksop and Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

“We will actively work with local services, and with the support of the local community, make a lasting difference to disadvantaged children and their families.”