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Status
Received: on time
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Income
£241.6K
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Spending
£276.7K
- Charity no. 100033
- Date registered. 05/03/2014
Public benefits
Our purpose is to advance education by providing education, training and support to groups who establish projects that develop the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of young people under the age of 25. This enables them to grow to full maturity as individuals and as members of society, and to improve their aspirations in life. We
work with all young people, with a particular focus on those from areas affected by social and economic disadvantage, those at risk from poor mental health or disengagement from education, and those who need wider support for social challenges. We seek to include marginalised young people through our work, including those at-risk of entering the criminal justice system or those who are ‘newcomers’ in the country. We also target young people with little or no involvement in any other youth groups or organisations, or who are vulnerable to exploitation by paramilitary organisations. There is no private benefit from our purpose. We give young people in disadvantaged areas positive alternatives to anti-social and risk-taking behaviours and to crime. We connect them with their local communities and encourage active and positive citizenship. We challenge racist and sectarian behaviour, combat prejudice, and create a safe environment where young people can explore ideas. We affirm young people, nurture ambition, build potential and encourage self-worth. We create opportunities to learn new skills in a range of sectors and give young people a voice in shaping youth-led programmes. We help participants build resilience, confidence, improved mental health and stronger personal and social skills. Our work also improves future employment prospects through the development of leadership, education and volunteering skills. Can we demonstrate benefit? We undertake surveys of the young people who attend Dreamscheme and regularly obtain feedback from the PSNI and other funders/partners on the benefits delivered as a result of our activities (mostly through independent evaluations). Recent reports have found that the scheme had improved the general outlook and self-esteem of young participants; workshops had helped to change attitudes to harmful attitudes and activities. Schools’ reports show that those involved in the programme have increased their attendance and behaviour within schools. In 2021, we were rewarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, demonstrating our ability to invest in volunteers who give back to the young people and the community. “Her Majesty and the QAVS National Committee have seen the way in which the work of Dreamscheme is delivering for young people in this and other areas across the city, and they have judged this outstanding – outstanding in vision, delivery and in achievement.” - Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE. “The partnership with Dreamscheme has been vital in helping with our pastoral care programme in the school – pupils receive such meaningful support” - Breda Academy, Senior Pastoral Team. Our organisation empowers young people to realise their potential and raise their aspirations. We aim to inspire and equip at-risk young people through long-term, practical support and transformational experiences.
What your organisation does
Our approach is targeted to operate in several different areas with multiple Hubs and spaces in each of the following locations: Lisburn & Castlereagh, East Belfast, South Belfast, Antrim, and North Belfast. Our community Hubs are relational spaces that provide informal and developmental programmes in their approach. Our Connect programmes aim to
create safe spaces for young people to seek support and take part in workshops to develop confidence, resilience, attitudes and life skills. Our Thrive Work Projects seek to build hard skills in software engineering, digital media, sports coaching and performance arts while also developing essential employability skills. We run leadership and targeted programmes that help young people grow in confidence and prepare them for future leadership roles. We also provide community service opportunities so young people can contribute positively to their community or take part in restorative justice initiatives such as community clean-ups, inter-generational work or repair-of-harm projects. We provide a school's programme which includes 1-1 / small group mentoring and wider classroom-based learning. We provide meaningful experiences and diversionary activities/trips that encourage young people to connect with others outside their community, challenge themselves and expand their horizons. All our work focuses on supporting young people through the formative years of their lives. We promote ongoing cross-community contact, provide opportunities for international experiences, and train youth leaders to respond to the contemporary needs of young people. Our work is motivated by Christian compassion, and we have a deep commitment to making a difference and giving to young people. Our staff receive regular training and have systems in place to support reflection and personal development.
The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
Who the charity helps
- Children (5-13 year olds)
- Community safety/crime prevention
- General public
- Mental health
- Specific areas of deprivation
- Voluntary and community sector
- Volunteers
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Advice/advocacy/information
- Community development
- Cross-border/cross-community
- Education/training
- General charitable purposes
- Sport/recreation
- Volunteer development
- Youth development