Year-long scheme receives £46,000 cash boost

Disadvantaged youngsters in Brent will be given the chance to explore and tell the story behind the UK’s first children’s home thanks to thousands of pounds worth of lottery funding.

The £46,000 grant, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will go towards a 12-month project training 50 young people living in Supported Housing accommodation run by children’s charity Coram.

The project will give them the opportunity to work alongside professional archivists exploring more than 200 years worth of the charity’s history.

Their findings will culminate in an exhibition and theatre performance and those involved will be awarded an Arts Award accreditation and a vInspired volunteering award.

Kemi Akinola youth projects lead at Coram said: “Coram is delighted with the grant because it will benefit and upskill young people who’ve had direct experience of residential care, which is empowering for them as well as an educational opportunity.”

Founded in 1739 Coram, based in Russell Square, is the UK’s first children’s charity. It has Supported Housing in secure locations in Brent, Camden and Tower Hamlets. They give young homeless people aged 16-25 secure accommodation and ongoing support to restore hope and protect them from the dangers homelessness may have exposed them to.

More than 30 young people attached to the Brent house are being given the opportunity to take part.

Coram’s expert services include adoption, creative therapies, supported housing for care leavers and family and parenting support.