Creative Youth Network is one of 250 UK charities to receive a £100,000 donation through the Barclays “100x100” program. The Bristol-based organisation was chosen in recognition of the meaningful work the charity has continued to deliver throughout the pandemic. 

Mark Coates, CEO at Creative Youth Network, commented: “This generous donation from Barclays will go towards vital work at our Bristol youth hub, The Station. It will enable us to continue providing care, support, and a safe place for marginalised and vulnerable young people and an increased provision for the many young refugees and asylum seekers we welcome every year.”
Creative Youth Network’s vision is for every young person to have the opportunity to enter adulthood able to achieve their own potential, whatever their background or circumstance.

  
This is achieved through tailored programmes which interweave quality youth work with exceptional creative provision, delivered in the safe, positive, familiar spaces such as the youth clubs at The Station. The charity develops trusting relationships between youth workers and young people to provide a bespoke, person-centred response, while fostering long-term engagement. This is the cornerstone to achieving positive and sustainable outcomes.

 

• In 2020 Creative Youth Network worked with 6,427 diverse young people to achieve positive outcomes. Over 60% of them were from disadvantaged, seldom heard, and under-represented communities

 
• 146 young people were at risk of exclusion from school. After aid provided by the charity, 100% stayed in education and 70% improved their attendance

 
• Pre-pandemic, 10,000 young people accessed support at The Station annually.

Located in central Bristol, The Station is a well-known hub for young people. Frequently, it is the first point of contact for young people struggling with complex challenges, including at-risk behaviour; domestic violence; grooming for gangs or sexual exploitation; sexual assault; homelessness; self-harm and suicide; and drug and alcohol abuse. On average, between five and eight young people arrive each week on The Station’s doorstep in crisis and requiring immediate support.

 
Commenting on the announcement, Nigel Higgins, Barclays Chairman, said: “Our 100x100 charity partners have been working tirelessly to support vulnerable communities across the UK through what has been a difficult year. These charities have championed a range of causes, including tackling homelessness, food poverty or loneliness, and we are immensely grateful for their work in the communities in which we live and work.

 
“It is evident that the effects of the pandemic will continue to be felt by many for some time to come. Our decision to extend our 100x100 Programme for a second time reflects this, allowing Barclays to support 250 UK grassroots charities in their crucial work in our local communities.”

 
Ali (not his real name), aged 18, arrived in Bristol as an unaccompanied asylum seeker from Syria. His story is a prime example of the many young people that will benefit from this grant.
When asked about his plight, he commented: “The Station is a great place. When I first came to Bristol it was lockdown and nothing was going on. After I came to The Station, it was better. People help you here with language and mental health problems.
I talked to other young people about how they changed because of coming here. They all love The Station and some are even asking for more days to come here!
The staff are friendly and really great. They help us learn English, we play music and games. I love The Station and want to thank everyone who works and volunteers here!”