Vision For All CIC in Tamworth has been awarded £123,353 over three years by the Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire through Lead the Change, a funding programme supporting young people to build stronger, more connected communities.

A total of £2.6 million has been awarded to 21 organisations across the UK to support local projects that will empower young people to build stronger connections within their communities, address division and drive positive social change.

The 21 youth-led projects were selected by a panel of 10 young grant-makers, aged 19-25, from across the UK, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences to the decision-making process.

The newly funded organisations will work alongside young people to create safe and inclusive spaces, support youth-led social action, build leadership skills, and encourage meaningful participation in community life. Through workshops, mentoring, community projects, and opportunities to influence decision-making, young people will be empowered to challenge harmful narratives, strengthen positive relationships, and drive change in their local communities.

The funding will enable Vision For All to deliver a youth-led early intervention and community engagement programme for young people aged 11–18 across Tamworth. Over three years, the Community Kicks project will help participants develop confidence, leadership skills and experience through community action, volunteering, peer mentoring and opportunities to progress into employment.

Brett Craythorne, founding director of Vision For All, said: “At Vision For All, we believe young people shouldn’t just take part in activities, they should have a genuine voice in shaping the opportunities available to them and the communities they live in.

“Through our Community Kicks programme, we’ve already seen the incredible potential of young people in Tamworth. This funding will allow us to build on that foundation, giving them the confidence, skills and support to become leaders, positive role models and changemakers within their own communities.

“What’s particularly exciting is that this isn’t just about delivering activities; it’s about investing in young people over three years, listening to their ideas and helping them turn those ideas into meaningful action.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in making this funding possible and excited about the lasting impact we can achieve together.”

Lead the Change is delivered in partnership with BBC Children in Need, Co-op Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation, Joseph Levy Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Postcode Justice Trust, UK Community Foundations and The National Lottery Community Fund.