Funding packs a punch for In2Change

For more than two decades, Sheffield charity In2Change has been helping young people make positive choices through anti-crime programmes, courses and educational sessions delivered from its unique centre in Neepsend.

The charity aims to engage young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in crime, helping them understand the consequences of their actions, while giving them opportunities to develop new skills and explore positive alternatives.

The boxing ring sits within the centre’s health and fitness space and is used for cardio boxing sessions delivered by fitness instructor ‘Rocky’. The upgraded facilities are helping In2Change provide free activities for young people after school and during the holidays, alongside crime-awareness sessions for those who may be at risk.

Brian Wreakes, Chief Executive of In2Change, said the funding had helped the charity create new opportunities for young people: “This funding has helped us move forward with accessing equipment, training and the opportunity to offer alternative activities for young people at no cost.

The aim is to give young people somewhere positive to go, keep them off the streets and create a new social gathering space for people from the communities surrounding our centre in Neepsend.

 

The funding has also helped In2Change upgrade its hair and beauty salon – a mock, working salon where young people can learn practical skills including hairdressing, nails, make-up, brows, lashes, reception duties and health and safety.

Staff training funded through the grant is also helping to strengthen the organisation and prepare the team to apply for larger grants in the future.

The In2Change team all have lived experience, helping them build strong relationships with the young people who use the centre and understand some of the challenges they face.

Brian added: “Students now have the opportunity to access the gym after school and throughout school holidays. This is targeted at local communities and also offers crime-awareness sessions to students who may be at risk.

“It has already been a huge success and will help us monitor the effectiveness of the activity, understand which groups are attending and build the evidence we need to secure future funding.”

South Yorkshire’s Giving Network brings together businesses, philanthropists and individuals who want to use their giving to create positive change in communities across the region.

Through SYGN, delivered by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, members can pool their support and direct funding towards organisations tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing local communities.

Jack Kidder, SYGN Chair and Sheffield regional representative and Henry Boot’s Responsible Business Manager, said:

What Brian and the team have achieved is incredible, and we’re absolutely delighted to have been able to support In2Change this year through funding from South Yorkshire’s Giving Network.

 

“The organisation has done such important work over the last 20 years and continues to go from strength to strength. To be able to support the charity as it takes its next steps is fantastic, and we’re excited to see where Brian and the team can take it next.

“Most importantly, the difference they are making to so many young people’s lives, supported by funding, shows the importance and impact of the Giving Network.”

Michelle Dickinson, Deputy CEO and Head of Philanthropy and Programmes at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said: “It’s fantastic to see what Brian and the In2Change team have achieved with this SYGN funding. From the upgrades to the boxing facilities to the hair and beauty salon, the grant has helped create more opportunities for young people to get involved in positive activities and develop new skills.”