Holmegrown is a community-driven demonstration project designed to support young people in Holme Wood and Bradford South who are at risk of becoming or are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).
Evidence from the Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre’s Bradford Mapping Project shows that some young people in the area feel like they have limited opportunities. Many experience aspirational poverty — meaning they are motivated to improve their lives but lack the resources, guidance, or financial support to do so. In an area with high rates of deprivation, antisocial behaviour and criminal activity, young people are often drawn into crime further impacting their opportunities in mainstream education, and access to training and employment. Young people also face barriers to accessing the support they need. At the same time, local services are under significant pressure, due to limited resources and significant demand, making it harder to respond effectively to these challenges.
Research from the Centre, the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, and national studies show clear links between adverse childhood experiences, deprivation, school exclusion, restricted future opportunities and negative health and wellbeing outcomes.
In response, Holmegrown has been co-developed with local practitioners, community organisations, the youth service, and other Bradford-based organisations. Together, partners have identified ‘what works’ locally: strength-based approaches, which focus on young people’s existing skills, interests and abilities, pro-active outreach in communities, building trust, and developing realistic but inspiring aspirations through local role models.
Holmegrown aims to co-produce a locally grounded, strengths-based programme that builds aspirations, broadens horizons, and supports young people aged 14–24 who are, or are at risk of becoming, NEET. The programme is co-produced with young people and delivered in partnership with local service providers, community partners, and role models.
The project aims to:
- provide co-designed tailored learning and training opportunities through workshops, hands-on experiences, and project-based learning. That will aim to address and remove barriers in accessing education, training or employment;
- develop and shape relationships with local role models, industry partners and education providers to create relevant opportunities for young people at risk of being NEET (examples include DJ workshops, Tattoo artists, Hairdressers/Beauticians, Podcasters, or Horse stable owners);
- introduce participants to the world of work via industry visits, mentoring, and placements that provide real insight into potential career paths;
- support progression into further education, apprenticeships, or employment through direct guidance and connections with relevant partners;
- offer personalised support and coaching to build self-esteem, raise aspirations, and help young people set and achieve personal goals.
The expected outcomes are wide ranging and combine traditional research outputs with community impact, including:
- Participants gaining transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management;
- Increased awareness of a range of industries and career options in the area;
- Improved confidence, career readiness, and access to job opportunities or education/training programmes;
- Strengthen existing and develop new partnerships with local and external providers to create employment, education and training pathways for young people in BD4;
- A measurable reduction in the number of participants classified as NEET;
- A blueprint methodology and evaluation framework for other communities/neighbourhoods with similar challenges to develop this programme based on local needs and co-production principles;
- A final project report.
Project lead
Lauren Batty – OutLOUD
Project facilitator
Saoirse Teale
