The Pennywell Youth Project's
The Pennywell Youth Project's building and facilities offer a safe environment where young people can learn new skills, get involved in developing services and enjoy themselves. Image: Virgin Money Foundation

Pennywell Youth Project

Realizing the potential of disadvantaged young people
Founded: 1992

Charity Details

Full Name: Pennywell Youth Project
Field:  Community Service
Founded: 1992
Headquarters: Sunderland, SR4 9BB
Charity No: 1143789

History and Activities

Pennywell, in Sunderland, has for long suffered from high levels of unemployment and crime. With 2,847 houses, the estate was one of the largest council estates ever built in Britain. Many have been demolished by the council since the turn of the century, the area blighted by drugs, crime and vandalism. A low point was reached in 2007 with the murder of 22-year-old Kevin Johnson after he had gone outside to ask a gang of rowdy youths to be quiet.

The Pennywell Youth Project is a neighbourhood charity registered in 1992 to help young people overcome disadvantage and realize their potential. It has the advantage of a purpose-built centre in the middle of Pennywell where young people can learn new skills and have fun. Activities include e baking, team games, talent showcases and parties. Evening sessions help keep young avoid the temptations of drugs, alcohol and gangs. The charity offers educational programmes to help 16 to 18-year-olds gain employment or progress to further education. Participants earn a City and Guilds Certificate in Employment Skills and basic maths and English qualifications. The charity aims to improve the confidence and self-esteem of young people and combat anti-social behaviour through developing life skills. In the accounting year 2016/17, the charity achieved:

  • 152 young people registered on the employment pathway (41 gained employment)
  • 250 young people showed measurable improvements in behaviour
  • 150 young people attended alcohol awareness groups (60 reported a reduced intake)
  • 26 young people gained an ASDAN short course skills award
  • 10 young people secured participation in a West Africa expedition
  • 57 young people executed individual learning plans (ILPs)
  • 2 young people joined a tall ship voyage
  • 16 young people have accessed further training opportunities
  • 100% of 619 young people attending reported feeling more involved in community life
  • 10 young people helped out at an elderly people's home
  • 14 young people gained a certificate in food hygiene
  • 163 young people gained a recorded outcome (progress toward achieving a goal)

The charity’s total income for the year was £269,828; the majority coming from grants from charitable trusts and foundations including the Virgin Money Foundation, the Ballinger Trust and the Big Lottery. Other grants came from local government sources.

Vital Statistics (year to 31/03/2017)

Total Income (TI):
£269,828  
Philanthropic Income (PI):
£176,570  
PI as % of TI:
65.4%    
Employees:
8  
Charitable Spending:  
£238,149
Investments at Year End:
£0


Website
http://pennywellyouthproj.wixsite.com/project

References

BBC News. (2007). Stab-death youths jailed for life, Available here (Accessed: 02/08/2018).

Charity Commission (2017). Pennywell Youth Project- Unaudited Financial Statements, Available here (Accessed: 02/08/2018).

Pennywell Youth Project. (2018). Pennywell Youth Project – Home, Available here (Accessed: 02/08/2018).

Sunderland Echo. (2014). Sunderland life-changing youth project lands £200,000 windfall, Available here (Accessed: 02/08/2018).

The Independent. (1994). No-Go Britain: Where, what, why, Available here (Accessed: 02/08/2018).

Wikipedia. (2018). Pennywell, Available here (Accessed: 02/08/2018).