Foundation of Light

The issue:

In the Northeast of England, the councils of County Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland have a high number of people living in deprivation. Sunderland has the highest percentage of homes classed as deprived, at 58.5%. Foundation of Light (FOL) has reported that there is often a mismatch between the skills of the local workforce and the needs of the new emerging industries in the region. This has led to difficulties for young people embarking on their first steps into employment.

The project:

Established in 2001 by former Sunderland AFC chairman Sir Bob Murray CBE, FOL is the official charity of Sunderland AFC. Made up of teachers, health workers, coaches, family learning officers youth workers and support staff the FOL works with over 23,000 people every year.

Croda Foundation has awarded FOL £398.864 over two years for its ‘Improving Futures’ programme, which aims to reduce barriers to employment for young people by delivering industry sector-based training leading to local job opportunities. The employability workshops will be delivered through a fully branded ‘Croda Foundation Skills Academy’ at the FOL and will be available to learners who are not in education, employment or training and learners who are recently unemployed and actively seeking work. At the end of the two years, the Foundation’s grant will enable:

• 600 learners to complete work experience
• 300 learners to progress into further education/higher education or employment

To learn more about Foundation of Light, visit its website.