The project which has received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will assist 30 young people who have experienced homelessness and/or barriers to employment/learning.  

Project participants will be YMCA Derbyshire residents or young people engaged in training and education programmes at YMCA Key College. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to engage the young people in exploring key heritage and conservation sites in Derby and Derbyshire to understand the employment opportunities linked to these in the past and present. This will be done through projects, 1-1 coaching, group activities and essential work placements/volunteering to facilitate each young person’s successful journey into employment.  

Along with other partners, Cromford Mill and the Museum of Making, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is providing workshops, delivered by its education teams to explore its sites and resources to inform and excite project participants. 

Gillian Sewell, Chief Executive of YMCA Derbyshire, said:  

“YMCA Derbyshire is immensely grateful for the support from National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding will enable young people who may not have the opportunity to visit and engage in activities related to their local heritage to access these places and learn about their rich history.  

We are excited to be working with our three project partners, Cromford Mills, The Museum of Making, and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to explore the past and present of employment within the local area and take our participants on a journey to explore this. The project will enrich their knowledge and skills to build their CV’s and assist them in finding meaningful work for the future”. 

Lisa Witham, Director of Wilder Communities at Derbyshire Wildife Trust added: 

“Connecting people to nature is at the very heart of all the work carried out by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, but we understand that getting into a career in conservation can be difficult. Employment opportunities are incredibly competitive and often people can be put off applying for jobs.   

"Through this partnership, we want to give young people who are passionate about wildlife and conservation the chance to explore a career in the sector and develop a greater understanding of what options and pathways are open to them. We look forward to working together through this project.”