Creating pathways at Lincoln City Foundation

A new film created by Heyday UK shows how the Youth Investment Fund is creating new pathways to enable more young people to access training skills for life and work.

A Youth Investment Fund grant, and support from other generous funders has enabled Lincoln City Foundation to open a brand-new youth facility and extend its reach, so more young people have new opportunities.

The building was funded jointly by the Youth Investment Fund (£625,000.00) the Be Lincoln Towns Fund, Football Foundation, Lincolnshire Co-op and the EFL, members of the public through the Stacey West Investment Bond and capital investment from the owners of the football club. It’s created so much space, and it’s a real game-changer for Lincoln City Foundation. They now have a dedicated space for young people, and they can continue their work with older members of the community too.

In the film you will meet the youth team and some of the young people who are thriving in their new youth space.

Michelle Ahondjo, Youth Manager for Lincoln City Foundation (LCF) shares how the team are actively listening and responding to youth voice.

“We have a Youth Committee and Youth Club, and the committee enables youth voice to shine. We’re great at putting a programme together but if youth don’t want to get involved or come to them, it’s a bit of time and resources wasted.”

Michelle and some of the young people explain the difference the Youth Investment Fund has made to young people’s lives.

“The old building didn’t fit the amount of stuff we wanted to do and our expansion plans – the ambition to help as many people as possible. It was small, crammed and didn’t have a kitchen or common room. The new building has room for us to grow long into the future. Vitally the new space has enabled LCF to grow its training and development offer to young people, giving them pathways into work here.”

Michelle Ahondjo adds:

“The Youth Investment Fund will help support more young people, get them involved in volunteering. You know, an actual pathway because some of the young people that have studied with us are now employed with us.”

In the film you’ll hear young people talking about the new youth club and why they love games night.

“I like to do quizzes with friends and get prizes.”

“I feel safe talking to the staff and other people to express my feelings.”

“We like coming here to play with our friends, meet new people and help people.”

Lincoln City Foundation has a youth committee and youth centre, with lots of space for young people to play games and have fun together. The new space includes a gaming room, gym, film screenings space, ping pong table and study space, plus space for indoor and outdoor football and other sports. Part of Lincoln City Foundation’s ethos is offering young people pathways into work through its learning programme. The enhanced facility provides much more space for learning in an inspirational setting.