Karen Lumley MP and the HLF are calling for young people’s groups in Redditch to apply for Lottery funding. Karen met with Reyahn King, Head of HLF in the West Midlands, on Friday to discuss how to encourage more applications from projects supporting young people’s heritage projects.

HLF’s West Midlands team identified that despite Redditch receiving over £6million from HLF since 1994 for heritage projects, none of these were for Young Roots projects, which specifically target getting young people aged between 11-25 involved with their heritage. 

Karen Lumley MP said: “It was very interesting to meet with HLF to discuss how we can work together to inspire young people in our town. Here in Redditch we have such a rich and diverse heritage and I feel that it is vital to get young people engaging creatively with their local communities. HLF’s Young Roots programme is providing important opportunities for young people across the whole of the UK to learn about and enjoy our varied and exciting heritage and I hope that more local groups from Redditch will be inspired to apply to HLF for funding for similar projects to take advantage of this funding.”

"Young people can offer a fresh and imaginative approach to local heritage projects, picking up CV-enhancing skills and experience along the way. HLF wants to hear from heritage and youth workers and young people themselves to discuss the type of projects they want to get involved in.”

Reyahn King, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: “Over the last 10 years we have seen some great projects come out of the HLF Young Roots programme - led by passionate young people who have been exploring their heritage in new ways while developing skills and confidence. Redditch has benefited from HLF’s funding – but I would like to see more Young Roots projects applying for money. As the future custodians of our heritage, it’s vital that we inspire and equip young people with the resources they need to get involved with heritage in future.”

Over the last ten years 65,000 young people across the UK have been involved in Young Roots projects that have included archaeological digs, explored local musical heritage, researched world wars and the slave trade and allowed young people to record and protect wildlife. 
 
The Heritage Lottery Fund works with local people and organisations to ensure that our heritage can be explored, shared, and enjoyed by the wider public. HLF grant making has made a huge impact on people and places across the West Midlands. The £6million awarded to date in Redditch has included support for restoration of the Palace Theatre, the conservation of Droitwich Barge and junction canals, a visit by Redditch Parachute Regimental Association to Ypres and Arnhem, and repair work to the Church of St John the Baptist.

Anyone interested in applying for HLF funding should contact the West Midlands team.

Note to editors

• Young Roots is a grant programme designed to engage young people aged 11-25 with their heritage. Young Roots projects stem directly from the interest and ideas of young people, who are supported by youth and heritage organisations to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with their local communities.
• Since 2002, the Young Roots programme has awarded £24.75million of Lottery funding to over 1,150 projects led by young people aged 13-25, helping more than 60,000 young people explore and share their heritage.  

Further information

Please contact Robert Smith, HLF press office, on 020 7591 6245 or roberts@hlf.org.uk.