Inspiring Futures
Breaking down barriers
This innovative and transformative new programme aims to address the systemic challenges which limit the employment opportunities for young people from South Asian communities in Leeds and Bradford.
Over the next four years, we will develop new pathways into work and training for 200 young people from the South Asian community. In doing so, we are opening up opportunities for individuals and communities who are under-represented, face pernicious barriers to work and who otherwise would never have any route into sustainable, rewarding employment.
The IF programme is funded and supported by the Youth Futures Foundation (YFF) to the tune of £1.6m over 4 four years (June 2024 – June 2028).
Inspiring Futures is part of the Connected Futures national programme. Funded and driven by YFF, it tackles the local, social and systemic challenges that young people face in finding good work. You can find out more about Connected Futures’ insights, reports and other place-based partnerships here.
Building better futures
Working closely with community, public and private sector partners across Leeds and Bradford, we will test and develop a new framework for youth employment amongst South Asian communities. We will bring employers and young people together to understand and challenge the recruitment/management practices which consolidate barriers to employment for young people from South Asian communities.
Simultaneously, our project will raise aspirations by inspiring participants to aim higher, developing confidence, skills and aspiration while breaking down negative perceptions which prevent them from finding gainful employment.
Inspiring Future’s local delivery partners
- Junior Sports Hub - Leeds
- Cardigan Centre - Leeds
- Good Deeds - Leeds
- Bangladeshi Youth Organisation - Bradford
- WomensZone - Bradford
- Highfield Community Centre - Bradford
- Hollings Youth Association - Bradford
Aims
Inspiring Futures aims to improve the pathway to employment of 16 to 24 year olds from Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage across Leeds and Bradford.
- Boost young people's employability skills
- Equip delivery partners to offer lasting support
- Help employers improve EDI and open up job pathways for young people
Work with us, and help us to work with you
Are you committed to creating equal opportunities for young people from Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds?
- Willing to share your recruitment and employmentexperiences
- Open to honest conversations about the barriers young people face
- Ready to take action and help shape better pathways to employment