Cambridge Building Society has awarded Turtle Dove Cambridge £15,080 to help young women at risk of being left outside education, employment or training.
The funding, which will be provided over three years, will allow the charity to widen access to its Young Women’s Development Programme and Young Women’s Conference.
About 15 women aged between 14 and 24 are expected to receive event and restaurant work experience, emotional support and personal development opportunities intended to build their confidence and independence.
Turtle Dove Cambridge also provides mentoring, peer support and guidance on future education and employment routes. The charity works with young women facing difficulties including housing insecurity, financial pressure, isolation and low confidence.
Katie Robinson, community engagement specialist at Cambridge Building Society, said: “We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of the challenges they face. Turtle Dove Cambridge provides practical, personalised support that helps young women build confidence, develop essential life skills and look ahead with optimism.
“Through our Community Fund, we’re proud to support organisations making a lasting difference within our communities. This funding will help ensure more young women can access the support they need to achieve greater independence and build brighter futures.”
Kate Nation (pictured), managing director at Turtle Dove Cambridge, said: “Every young woman deserves the chance to feel safe, valued and hopeful about her future.
“Too many of the young women we support have experienced homelessness, instability or significant barriers that have affected their confidence and wellbeing.
“This funding from The Cambridge Building Society will enable us to provide consistent, long-term support through our Young Women’s Development Programme and Conference, helping more young women build confidence, develop new skills and take positive steps towards education, employment and independent living.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this investment in the futures of the young women we support.”
The grant forms part of the building society’s Community Fund, a twice-yearly programme offering awards of up to £20,000 to charities, community groups and other organisations operating within 15 miles of its branches and stores.
