Banking on our young people

Young people on an estate in north London are helping their community and learning vital life skills thanks to a unique new banking project.

The Youth Bank scheme gives young people the chance to award small grants to other youngsters for local community projects.

They are offered help, support and training to form a grant awarding panel that will assess and monitor applications for funds. Members will also provide support to the young people applying for the money by offering help, advice and information on how they can run successful projects.

It is unique from other similar projects as it not only involves young people in all stages but also allows them to control a budget, assess grant applications, decide what projects should be approved for funding and monitor the progress of the project.

Youth Bank is being run by L&Q with the help of other agencies that have expertise in working with young people at Enfield Island Village. This estate is slightly isolated from the rest of the borough of Enfield so it’s not always easy for youngsters to get to other community facilities.

We hope it will encourage young people to work together, improve confidence and self-esteem, improve communication and social skills, gain valuable financial skills and knowledge of banking, and deliver community projects that appeal directly to other local young people.

To find out more call 0208 887 6079

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