Parentskills2Go Secures Million Hours Fund Support for Roots and Future Youth Development Project
Parentskills2Go CIC is proud to announce that it has secured support through the Million Hours Fund for its new Roots and Future project, a youth development programme that will run during term time until March 2027.
The Million Hours Fund supports organisations delivering extra hours of youth work to young people, particularly in communities where access to safe spaces, structured opportunities and trusted adult support can make a lasting difference. The fund is backed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and The National Lottery Community Fund, with a focus on helping young people improve their wellbeing, build practical life skills and access positive activities in safe environments.
Through Roots and Future, Parentskills2Go will provide young people with consistent, meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. The project is designed for young people aged 11 to 14, offering activities that develop creativity, confidence, practical ability and social connection, while also creating a pathway for older participants aged 15 to 18 to grow into leadership roles.
Supporting young people with positive activities and practical skills
As part of the project, Parentskills2Go will deliver a range of structured sessions, including:
- Photography and Social Media
- Fashion and Wearable Technology
- Homework Support
- Sports
Sessions will run between 4:00pm and 7:00pm, with activities introduced gradually across the programme to support sustained engagement and long-term development.
These activities directly reflect the wider purpose of the Million Hours Fund by giving young people more positive things to do, helping them build life and practical skills, encouraging emotional wellbeing, and strengthening their connection to trusted adults and supportive community spaces.
Creating safer pathways and stronger futures
At the heart of Roots and Future is a commitment to creating safe, inspiring and supportive environments for young people. Parentskills2Go recognises that when young people have access to structured opportunities after school, positive peer networks and caring adult guidance, they are better positioned to build confidence, make healthy choices and develop a stronger sense of purpose.
This approach closely aligns with the Million Hours Fund’s aim of increasing youth work provision in ways that help young people feel safer, more supported and more connected to positive opportunities.
Developing the next generation of youth leaders
A key feature of the project is its leadership development strand for young people aged 15 to 18. Parentskills2Go will launch a 16-week youth leadership training programme beginning on Saturday 14 March, with the aim of recruiting 10 to 15 young leaders for the first cohort.
These young people will be supported to co-deliver activities alongside facilitators, helping them build leadership, communication, teamwork and facilitation skills. This not only strengthens the programme itself, but also creates a pipeline of young role models who can positively influence their peers and contribute to the wider community.
Youth Coordinator Hannah Máry Okonyia will lead recruitment and engagement for this strand, beginning with young people who have previously taken part in the organisation’s holiday club activities.
A shared commitment to long-term community impact
Parentskills2Go sees Roots and Future as more than a programme of activities. It is a long-term investment in young people’s development, safety, confidence and future potential.
By aligning with the objectives of the Million Hours Fund, the project will help ensure that more young people have access to:
- positive and structured out-of-school opportunities
- practical and creative skills development
- improved confidence and wellbeing
- trusted relationships with adults
- leadership pathways and peer-to-peer support
Executive Director Margaret Taribo described the funding as a significant step forward for the organisation’s youth work vision, enabling Parentskills2Go to deepen its support for young people and families while contributing to stronger, safer and more connected communities.
About the Million Hours Fund
The Million Hours Fund was established to expand youth work provision by funding additional hours of activity for young people, especially in areas facing higher levels of anti-social behaviour. The programme supports projects that improve young people’s wellbeing, practical skills, safety and access to trusted support. It is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and The National Lottery Community Fund.
About Parentskills2Go CIC
Parentskills2Go CIC is a community interest organisation committed to empowering parents, children and young people through training, mentoring, education and community-led development. Its programmes are designed to build skills for life, strengthen confidence and create lasting positive impact in local communities.