The Trent Bridge Community Trust has received multi-year funding from Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, via the Safer Nottinghamshire Together grant scheme.

The funding will help to secure the future of the Positive Futures programme, which supports young people at risk of social exclusion through mentoring and tailored activities, until the end of 2029.

Positive Futures helps young people aged between eight and 19 who have found the pressures of adolescence in the modern age to be challenging.

Behaviour workshops and one-to-one mentoring help to address young people’s behaviour, attendance and attainment, with mentors sharing their own experiences and offering advice.

The programme also helps to raise aspirations – giving young people the chance to pursue qualifications in their chosen field to set them on the path to a fulfilling career.

During the new funding cycle, Positive Futures will operate in Cotgrave, West Bridgford, and East Leake – areas where youth anti-social behaviour has been identified by Rushcliffe Borough Council, police and local stakeholders.

“This funding helps to provide us with the certainty we need to be able to provide meaningful support in the community,” said Mandy Wright, Head of the Trent Bridge Community Trust.

“Our aim is to make a long-lasting impact on the lives of those young people we come into contact with.

“To do that, we need to embed ourselves into their community, taking the time to build relationships and trust.

“We also need to get to know these young people as individuals – after all, no two people are the same, so it’s important that we can offer bespoke support and solutions.

“By targeting these three areas of the county, we know we can tailor our services to have the biggest possible impact.”

Positive Futures is the Trust’s longest-running programme, having operated in targeted areas across the county for the past 16 years.

Mentoring and support is offered to young people free of charge, with bespoke plans designed to suit each young person’s circumstances, challenges and aspirations.

“Positive Futures is exactly the kind of long-term, preventative work that changes lives and strengthens communities," said Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden.

“By giving young people, the right guidance, opportunities, and support at an early stage, we can help them realise their potential and steer away from behaviours that can lead to harm.

“The Trent Bridge Community Trust has a proven track record of making a real difference, and I’m proud that through our Safer Nottinghamshire Together grants, we can help secure this vital programme for years to come.

“Investing in our young people today means safer streets, stronger communities, and brighter futures for Nottinghamshire tomorrow.”