Positive Futures is a national Home Office programme which works with communities to get young people involved in sports, art and learning opportunities. It operates in some of the most deprived areas of England and Wales.
Positive Futures has for the last five years been managed by young people’s charity Catch22. The programme works with over 50,000 10-19 year olds from disadvantaged communities who are at risk of offending.
Substance has led the evaluation of the programme since 2004, using its sophisticated monitoring systems, providing the Home Office with a detailed oversight of the programme’s impact at both micro and macro levels.
News that the Positive Futures programme will continue to receive £10m of Home Office funding over the next two years has been welcomed by the very young people who provided the evidence of its success.
Kara Hitchin, aged 21 and Chair of the Positive Futures Youth Advisory Board (YAB) said: “Positive Futures has been around for ten years making a difference to the lives of young people from the toughest backgrounds. It gives us real hope to think that the Home Office has not only read our positive stories of being involved in the programme but acted so positively upon them. Continuing with the programme will help make Britain safer and the future brighter for young people.”
Joyce Moseley, Chief Executive of charity Catch22 said: “The Positive Futures programme provides long term support and takes young people through the sometimes difficult and challenging journey to adulthood. The way the programme is evaluated means that young people can demonstrate their achievements and have a voice about their future. We are delighted that they have been listened to, and can continue to have a positive impact in their communities and on the lives of other young people.”