A Sheffield-based charity helping young people make positive life choices has received a boost through UKSE’s 50th anniversary bursary programme, supporting the continued development of its frontline team.

In2Change, now in its 19th year, works with young people aged 10–25 to raise awareness of the realities and consequences of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The charity has worked with more than 60,000 young people nationally, delivering sessions in schools, academies and community settings, often in partnership with statutory agencies.

The latest bursary funding from UKSE, delivered through South Yorkshire Community Foundation, will support three members of staff at In2Change to enhance their skills and resources. The funding will be used to purchase laptops and enable access to further teaching qualifications, helping to improve the quality, flexibility and reach of their sessions.

The bursary will not only strengthen the charity’s delivery but also support staff development, increasing their employment opportunities and enabling them to engage more effectively with young people.

In2Change’s approach, built on lived experience, has evolved over nearly two decades, recognising the importance of relatable and credible voices when addressing complex issues such as crime, exploitation and the influence of social media. Their work has led to significant real-world impact, including safeguarding interventions where previously undisclosed cases of abuse and grooming have been identified during sessions.

Brian Wreakes, Centre Manager at In2Change, said: “UKSE and South Yorkshire Community Foundation gave essential financial support for 3 of our staff to progress in employability and development of services for In2Change.

“We are so appreciative of their donation, time and support in a difficult time of oversubscribed funding applications and bids, which lessens our aims of further interventions.”

Steve Lyon, Regional Manager at UKSE, added: “Organisations like In2Change play a vital role in supporting young people to make informed, positive choices about their future.

“Through our 50th anniversary bursary programme, we’re proud to support the development of their team, helping them continue delivering impactful interventions across our communities.”

Michelle Dickinson, Deputy CEO and Head of Partnerships and Programmes for South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said: “We are so delighted to be working with UKSE to deliver this vital bursary funding.

“SYCF has been a long-term supporter of In2Change where Brian and his small team play such an important community role.

“This money will enable staff to further build skills and learning opportunities enabling In2Change to deliver even more life-changing youth intervention work.”

This bursary is part of UKSE’s 50th anniversary celebrations, marking five decades of investing in people, businesses, and communities across the UK.

UKSE provides loans and equity finance of up to £1.5m to existing growing businesses, particularly those creating jobs – for further information, please contact the team on 0114 2700 933.