Chilypep awarded £123,353 through Lead the Change

The 21 youth-led projects were selected by a panel of 10 young grant-makers, aged 19-25, from across the UK, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences to the decision-making process.

The newly funded organisations will work alongside young people to create safe and inclusive spaces, support youth-led social action, build leadership skills, and encourage meaningful participation in community life. Through workshops, mentoring, community projects, and opportunities to influence decision-making, young people will be empowered to challenge harmful narratives, strengthen positive relationships, and drive change in their local communities.

Chilypep is a young people's empowerment project, dedicated to raising the voices of young people.

The funding to Sheffield will enable Chilypep to transform its Happy Group - a long-running support group for refugee and asylum-seeking young people in Sheffield - into a youth-led programme.

Since launching in 2018, Happy Group has provided a safe, welcoming space for young people aged 14 to 25, helping them make friends, build confidence, improve their wellbeing and develop a sense of belonging while navigating challenges such as isolation, trauma, discrimination, and uncertainty around immigration status.

The project, which is expected to support around 300 unique young people, will enable participants to move from being attendees to becoming leaders. Through training, mentoring and paid leadership opportunities, group members will gradually take responsibility for planning and delivering sessions, activities, trips and campaigns, supported by Chilypep staff.

Lesley Pollard, CEO at Chilypep, said:

We’re thrilled to receive funding through Lead the Change for our Happy Group to create new opportunities for young people to come together, build relationships, develop confidence and learn how to take action on the issues that matter most to them. By putting young people at the heart of the work, we hope to strengthen belonging and create positive, lasting change in our community.

 

“At its core, the project is built on trauma-informed youth work, strong safeguarding practices and meaningful youth participation. By our 10th anniversary in 2028, we aim for Happy Group to become a thriving youth-led programme where refugee and asylum-seeking young people feel connected, empowered and able to influence the systems and communities that affect their lives.”

Activities delivered by Happy Group range from sports, arts and cultural events to residential trips and social action projects. The project creates opportunities for young people from different backgrounds to come together, challenge stereotypes and build understanding, helping to strengthen community cohesion and reduce prejudice.

Jess O’Neill, Grants and Partnerships Manager at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said: “This major funding award will have a transformational effect, allowing Happy Group to directly and indirectly support hundreds of young people.

Chilypep has developed a fantastic, sustainable peer-led model where young people shape the service themselves and develop the skills, confidence and experience to contribute back into to their communities and future careers.

 

Lead the Change is delivered in partnership with BBC Children in Need, Co-op Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation, Joseph Levy Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Postcode Justice Trust, UK Community Foundations and The National Lottery Community Fund.