Community-Based Support for Disadvantaged Areas

Although York is an affluent city, it is one of just six local authorities nationally in which, at the end of primary school, disadvantaged students are over a year behind their more affluent peers

The University of York is helping to address this inequity through the creation of an education and community centre, offering residents of Westfield, York, fair access to new opportunities.

The centre, called The Place, opened in October 2023, after meetings with several schools and many families in the area to understand the challenges they face. The centre team co-created programmes of learning aimed at helping young people achieve their goals and future ambitions in life.

Led by the University, in partnership with Westfield Primary Community School and York High School, the centre is open Monday to Friday, 50 weeks of the year offering a range of free activities on offer including study and play sessions, as well as dedicated time to support adults in the community.

The Centre’s recent programme of activities have included collaborations with York Theatre Royal, Yorkshire Museums Trust, and the Head Gardener at York Museum Gardens for a series of cultural events and activities, as well as ‘lunch labs’ to teach cooking skills and the impact of different food on the body.

More than £1.5 million has so far been raised to establish the education and community space, thanks to philanthropic support from individuals and companies such as Aviva, Hiscox, Persimmon and Portakabin. Corporate donors support the centre by co-creating programmes to help children and young people in the area to develop professional skills and offer guidance on routes into employment.

The team has begun the next stage of fundraising to secure the long-term future of the centre, giving even more young people and their families the opportunity to benefit from its programmes.

 

Facts & Figures

  • The Place provides a safe and supportive environment for young people of all abilities to learn and explore their future ambitions.
  • The centre helps young people and adults tap into their potential, build their confidence and skills and realise their future ambition.
  • More than £1.5 million has so far been raised through philanthropic support to establish the education and community space.

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