Young People in Luton Supported by a £60,000 Grant from Bedfordshire Freemasons

Around 450 young people in Luton who are at risk of disengaging from their education will receive support to get back to their studies, thanks to a grant from Bedfordshire Freemasons to local charity Youthscape.

The £60,000 grant will support Youthscape’s ‘Compass’ project, which delivers alternative educational provision to young people in Luton school Years 7-9 who are at risk of disengaging from their education. This funding will make a significant difference in the lives of these young people as it will empower them to make better decisions regarding their education, and to reconnect with it in a new way preceding their GCSE years.

The grant from Bedfordshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Head of Luton Youth Work at Youthscape, Gemma Milligan said:

“We’re very grateful to Bedfordshire Freemasons for their generous grant. Research shows that young people who disengage from school are at increased risk of criminal exploitation and of future unemployment. ‘Compass’ will support many students across Luton to raise their aspirations, adjust their perspectives around school, manage their emotions healthily, and set goals for the future.”

Steve Joyce from Bedfordshire Freemasons, said:

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Youthscape with their hugely important project working with young people at risk of missing out on schooling. It’s hard to overestimate the importance of education and finding and getting them back to their studies can be life-changing.”