The majority of Fundamental's work focuses on children and young people, their lives and the communities in which they live. It is our aim to alleviate some of the hardship these young people face, by providing essential & accessible services, support and provision that is tailored specifically to meet their needs and make a positive impact on their lives and futures. We receive our funding via contracted work through Connexions West Yorkshire, The Youth Justice Board, Community Safety Partnership, Neighbourhood Renewal, grants and donations and active fundraising. “78% of the children and young people we work with re-engage with school and are reported as having improved attendance and attainment within the first 3 months of working with us.”
Currently we provide informal personal and social development through the following:
1. One to one care, support and advice
2. Small group work
3. Crisis support
4. Detached youth and community work
5. Positive activity programmes run throughout the year (including all school holidays)
6. After school clubs
7. Youth drop-ins
8. A Connexions Access Point- Information, advice and guidance centre for young people
9.Intensive Inclusion work with 'high-risk' young people, excluded from school, facing exclusion, engaged in crime/anti-social behaviour or in crisis
10. Issue based training e.g. sexual health, health and lifestyle, goal setting, ICT, basic skills, life skills, drugs awareness, team building, communication, senior youth work, democracy, employment, alternative education, citizenship etc.
11. An action-packed diary of weekly themed activities e.g. drama, music, sports, arts, democracy, healthy living, horticulture, ICT etc.
12. Family support
13. Residential activities in UK and Overseas
14. NEW - Educational & Employment programmes for marginalised young people in Albania
All our activities are well structured and planned with young people, their families/carers, professionals and partnership agencies and are always fun and informative. The assessment, monitoring, evaluation and recording of the work we undertake with children and young people is of the highest standard to ensure we are delivering the best possible support and service. We have recently undergone various inspections - OFSTED, Crime Concern, JAR and PAYP - and in all areas of our work we scored well above average and in some areas achieved excellence.
Quality is not just a word for us but is backed up by action!!
"Since its inception in 2005, Fundamental has made an impact on the work with children and young people by offering them positive activities during their leisure time. The activities provided have complimented the work of the Council’s services and worked co-operatively with other voluntary and community sector providers. The work has been effective in developing the personal and social skills of the participants, equipping them to take their place in the communities in which they live. We look forward to continued collaborative working."
Steve Crofts
Head of Service - Young People