This funding was targeted at Tipton, specifically the streets within the Tibbington Estate and part of Glebefields.

Data for the Super Output Area (an area covering most of the SSCF targeted streets) from Government Office and the Sandwell Neighbourhood Intelligence Project (SNIP) indicate that amongst a range of issues affecting the area are the inter-related ones of skills, education, training, employment & income.

A programme was designed to tackle these issues in a coordinated way. Its key elements were based on the data gathered through extensive community consultation, the views of local stakeholders and the LSP, along with the statistics described above.

The programme strives to target young people in years 10 and 11, based on the idea that a change in aspiration within this group will, over time, lead to societal change. The young people concerned are not only targeted directly, but a holistic, coordinated programme has been developed taking multiple approaches to improving aspiration – through their families, peers and support networks.

The programme was established delivering services via a number of ‘strands’ – all intertwined to work closely in partnership both with each other and with other service delivery agencies active in the area. Regular meetings are held to ensure coordination and that the approach is holistic. These are attended by managers of the programme, the strands and partner agencies. Additionally, regular meetings are attended by those delivering services on the ground to share information, advance partnership working and share learning.

Funding

Initially funded for two years, the programme was allocated £412,800 for 2006/7 and a further £545,658 in 2007/8. Following success in these years and a Government Office spending review, another two years’ funding was agreed, £412,800 for 2008/9 and £258,000 for 2009/10. To date the programme has been delivered within budget.