Macc recently managed the latest Spirit of Manchester Fund round of grants which focused on organisations that support people with the cost of living crisis. We will be sharing stories in August to show the impact of these grants and the wide range of projects that they supported. Today, we have the story from Levenshulme Youth Project:
"It all starts with our relationships for Levenshulme Youth Project. Particularly, the relationships that our youth workers have established with young people, that enable them to have open and honest conversations with young people about the impact of the cost of living crisis on their lives. Some of the concerns shared in various youth work sessions have included; debt management, savings, cooking on a budget, the impact of the cost of living on relationships and family life, and emotional health and wellbeing. Quite often this work will start in groups but will end up as ‘one to ones’ to decrease stigma. If, for example, we are directing their family to a community food bank.
Young people have also used these sessions to discuss how the cost of living crisis is impacting their families e.g. young people have told us that their parents are increasingly saying no to things that they would have said yes to a year ago or for another young person, noticing that their parents are purchasing more and more unbranded items. They have told us that money pressures take priority and can make it challenging for parents/carers to have the space for their worries. We recognise our role in safeguarding young people, ensuring they are being looked after and families are supported, and sign posted to other community agencies that can offer them and their families support.
Finally, we continue to offer a safe space for young people to meet, where young people can participate in a variety of activities, enjoy themselves and have a good relaxing time with their friends away from school and homework. We feel this helps them to recharge their batteries and give them fresh energy to dedicate to their studies. Activities include arts, crafts, music, singing and dancing."
