Children and young people across Rotherham will now have access to more free activities thanks to almost £900,000 in National Lottery Funding.

The Children Young People and Families Consortium (CYPF Consortium) has been awarded £899,572 from the National Lottery to support local voluntary and community sector organisations who work with children, young people and families in Rotherham.

Over the next three years, the funding will be used to increase activities and support at five bases in Dinnington, Eastwood, Parkgate, Swinton and the town centre. As well as having an open access youth group, these bases will also connect young people with a basket of support and provision such as arts and creative projects, sports, outdoor experiences, personal development and wellbeing programmes, and mental health counselling.

The CYPF Consortium was set up in 2003 to raise standards, build resilience and work collaboratively to improve the lives of children, young people and families in Rotherham.

They currently work with around 30 local charities and non-profit organisations, ten of which are delivering the Smiles for Miles Project including JADE Youth and Community, Clifton Learning Partnership, Swinton Lock Activity Centre, Rotherham and Barnsley MIND, Rotherham Rise, Rotherham United Community Trust, ROAR, Rush House, Endeavour and YWCA Yorkshire.

Almost three quarters of the funding, £650,000, will go towards extending the Smiles for Miles project. This was originally launched in 2021 thanks to almost £500,000 in National Lottery funds. The voices of children and young people have continued to shape and develop the project.

In its first two years, the Smiles for Miles supported over 2,500 children and young people to reach their goals by delivering 4,800 activities.

Janine recently turned to the Smiles for Miles project’s mental health support for her daughter. She said: “Within two weeks of the referral, my daughter began her counselling sessions. The swift and efficient response from Smiles for Miles ensured that there was no prolonged period of uncertainty or anxiety. The care package provided has made a significant positive impact on my daughter’s recovery and overall well-being. The team’s expertise and dedication have been a beacon of hope and support during a very challenging time for our family.”

The Smile for Miles project is aimed at children and young people aged eight to 19, or up to 25 for young people with special education needs or disabilities.

CYPF Consortium Strategic Coordinator, Ashley Leggott, says: “This funding, which is possibly the most significant single investment in local youth services that Rotherham has seen in the last decade, will showcase the power of collaboration by local charities and non-profit organisations who believe in the benefits of working together and are committed to putting the needs and views of children, young people and families at the centre of their work.”

Find out more about the CYPF Consortium here.