Woodcraft Folk will be launching 18 new youth groups across Suffolk, Norfolk & Cambridgeshire thanks to new funding from the Big Lottery Fund and Department for Culture, Media & Sport.

Woodcraft Folk is one of 86 grantees, the Minister for Civil Society Tracey Crouch, said:“This investment from the government and National Lottery players will have a transformational effect on the lives of some of our most disadvantaged young people. It will help thousands who might otherwise have gone under the radar flourish. Local voluntary and community youth organisations already do so much fantastic work and this £40 million will enrich the lives of many more young people throughout England.”

Dawn Austwick, Chief Executive, Big Lottery Fund said: “The Youth Investment Fund is a welcome boost for the many great community organisations that work with young people locally. Money raised by National Lottery players creates opportunities for young people to build on their talents and strengths and the Youth Investment Fund is an important part of the jigsaw for the youth sector.”

Over the next 3 years Woodcraft Folk will be launching new groups for young people from 10 to 18 years starting in St Neots, Thetford, Norwich, Peterborough and Cambridge. The groups will introduce young people to the environment, internationalism and co-operation through a range of activities including games, camping, craft and social action.

Owen Sedgwick-Jell, Project Manager said “This is a great opportunity for Woodcraft Folk to reach new communities across the Eastern region and engage with more children and young people”.

A new team of Development Workers will be recruiting and training volunteers, so if you are looking for experience working with young people or have a skill to share get in touch. For more information visit www.woodcraft.org.uk/eastern or contact newgroups@woodcraft.org.uk

Contacts:

Project Manager: Owen Sedgwick-Jell owen.sedgwickjell@woodcraft.org.uk

Suffolk: Gail Arnold gail.arnold@woodcraft.org.uk

Norfolk: Debbie Sands Debbie.sands@woodcraft.org.uk

Cambridgeshire: Lauren Karstadt lauren.karstadt@woodcraft.org.uk

Peterborough: Ria Steventon ria.steventon@woodcraft.org.uk

Local groups www.woodcraft.org.uk/where