Hastings education charity getsshare of £2.5 million hand out

Education Futures Trust received the money from the bank’s South East Regional Board.

The £2.5 million Skills and Opportunities Fund was established to support organisations that are working with people to help themselves through training and qualifications, getting into work or setting up their own business.

The winning organisations each take a different approach to helping people improve their employability skills and gain confidence.

Education Futures Trust’s “Working Without Walls” programme is a series of inspirational survival skills and conservation courses for young people in Hastings aged 14-21 years with low educational or economic outcomes.

Supported by skilled practitioners, these courses develop team work, communication, confidence, community involvement, resilience and work-based skills; leading to an accredited award in conservation, alongside a tailored volunteering placement.

Carole Dixon, CEO of Education Future Trust, said: “We were delighted with our success in gaining the Skills and Opportunities funding for our Working without Walls programme.

“This allows us to extend our outdoor learning and conservation work to young people who struggle in education, and may be facing long term unemployment.

“As well as learning new practical skills, participants will develop teamwork, build self-esteem and confidence, whilst clearing and improving areas of local woodland.

“Our thanks go to NatWest for allowing us this opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming them to see the progress in both the young people and the countryside.”

Tim Boag, Chair of NatWest’s South East Regional Board, said: “The Board was extremely impressed with the quality of the proposal and its ambition to provide transferable skills, experience and qualifications to young people.”

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