Inclusion Ventures

Inclusion Ventures was set up as a response to concerns about vulnerable young people on the Percy King Estate. At that time the estate was very run down and incidence of youth crime was unusually high. Outreach work led to a realisation that young people were involved in anti-social behaviour, and specifically criminal damage of the community centre, as a result of feeling excluded. In 2002 they opened the doors of the drop-in session and welcomed in the first of many young people to engage in the project.​ Some of the young people experience discrimination, and exclusion as a result of poor reputations due to past behaviours, or simply because of the location in which they live. Lacking the confidence to take control of their lives, these young people are at risk of spiralling into negative behaviourial patterns with little hope or aspiration. This is further exacerbated if family life is strained, and education feels a struggle. If they feel undervalued it is often difficult for young people to feel empathy for others which can lead to anti social attitudes, and criminal behavior. In opening the drop-ins they gave the young people something to take ownership of and gain a sense of belonging. Inclusion Ventures offers young people a specialised staff team that understand the underlying issues that lead young people to challenge. With respect and trust, they gradually encourage them to understand the responsibility that goes hand in hand with their rights.​ Inclusion Ventures includes young people in decision making and have a commitment to community based solutions. Young people are provided with a safe envirionment and interesting activities that they can take pride in. Inclusion Ventures offers opportunities for the young people to become responsible members of their community. Inclusion Ventures supports education, develop health and wellbeing, and increase aspiration. The relationships with other local organisations enable us to liaise and provide a broad range of support.