Launch of the Hope Programme to Empower Young Adults in Leicester
The Highfields community came together this week for the launch of the Hope Programme a transformative three-year initiative designed to support young people aged 16–30 as they navigate education, employment, skills development and creative pathways. The programme aims to build confidence, raise aspirations and open doors to long-term opportunities in work, training and volunteering.
Responding to Community Needs
Highfields is an area rich in cultural diversity but also faces some of Leicester’s most significant social and economic challenges. Many young adults in the community experience complex barriers that prevent them from accessing education, employment or structured training. The Hope Programme seeks to close this gap by providing targeted support to those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), helping them build the foundations needed to thrive.
A Comprehensive Support Offer
Participants will benefit from a structured annual cycle of recruitment, training, assessments and personalised workshops or placements. The programme offers:
- CV and interview preparation
- Functional skills development
- Digital literacy and digital skills training
- Creative and employability-focused workshops
- Pathways into volunteering and community-led projects
The approach focuses on both soft and hard outcomes, ensuring each young person gains practical skills alongside confidence, communication and personal development.
Measuring Impact with Purpose
The Hope Programme incorporates a strong evaluation framework that includes baseline assessments, focus groups and ongoing reviews. Over the next three years, the programme aims to support:
- 110 young people into education or training
- 70 into employment
- 40 into business advice or enterprise pathways
These outcomes are designed not only to uplift individual participants but also to strengthen the local economy, reduce crime risk and build a more resilient future for the Highfields community.
A Vision Backed by Strong Funders
Importantly, the programme’s funders prioritise meaningful, long-term outcomes over simple attendance metrics. They have encouraged collaboration among local organisations, ensuring that community groups work together to create a wider support network for Leicester’s young people. Project Hope’s core vision is to instil belief, break taboos and give young adults the tools they need to shape their futures with confidence.
FTA Fashion Hub: A Proud Partner
FTA Fashion Hub Operational Manager, Divya Kamath, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative:
“There is always extended mutual support from Highfields Centre and Fashion-Enter Ltd (FTA). We were honoured to be part of the Hope launch event. It’s an amazing vision, and we completely trust and support the Highfields Centre team in delivering this project successfully.”
She added: “FEL will be collaborating with the Highfields Centre by providing referrals and helping to promote this programme among our participants. We can also support their young people by offering volunteering opportunities at our major events, workshops and community sewing projects. We look forward to a positive collaboration on this great programme.”
The launch of the Hope Programme marks an exciting step toward creating inclusive pathways for young adults in Leicester—empowering them with the tools, confidence and opportunities they need to build brighter futures.