A project that has supported hundreds of young people with additional needs in Cornwall has secured funding to continue until March 31 next year.
The hugely successful Yep! Project received £800,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, allocated through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, to continue providing support for a further year.
The scheme helps 16 to 24-year-olds who aren't working, in school, or training to access education and employment opportunities. It also supports those who might soon find themselves in this situation.
With a focus on those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), it has already helped more than 1,250 individuals since it began in January 2024.
Formerly overseen by CSW Group, the Yep! Project is now managed by Cornwall Council which works alongside partners such as Real Ideas, Pentreath, Carefree, Argyle Community Trust and Pluss to help young people build confidence, resilience, and skills.
Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools at Cornwall Council, said:
“It’s fantastic news that we’ve secured the money to continue this hugely successful project which has already helped so many young people across Cornwall.
“As a council we strongly feel that all children and young people should feel valued and that includes those with SEND and SEMH and their families.
“Projects like Yep! that help give young people the confidence and resilience to achieve their full potential are incredibly important. They help create a bright future and I hope the Yep! Project continues to change lives across Cornwall.”
Janine Bisson, Inclusion and Participation Lead for Cornwall Council, said:
“I am delighted that this project will continue to support significant numbers of young people, giving them the chance to engage with education and employment opportunities across our communities.”
To find out more information about the Yep! Project please visit Youth Engagement Project - Cornwall Council or contact the team today 01872 324602.
Yep! is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
Notes to editors:
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme
The Good Growth Programme is managing the delivering of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as the lead authority for the fund which is being invested in accordance with the Good Growth SPF Investment Plan. For more information, visit https://ciosgoodgrowth.com
