04/06/2021 - Youthscape helps 300 families in need get a healthy lockdown meal

Bedfordshire Emergency Coronavirus Fund case study

Mum Joanna*, from Luton, had cancer last year. During the time she was receiving treatment, she came to rely on the support of her family and particularly teenage daughter Kate*.

More recently, Joanna has been shielding at home to minimise her risk of exposure to coronavirus. She's been finding it impossible to get to the shops for food, and so daughter Kate signed up to a new scheme launched by the Luton organisation Youthscape.

Set up in 1993 when 45 churches in Luton joined forces to try and help tackle issues facing young people, Youthscape has grown and developed over the years but its heart remains the same. Staff and volunteers provide emotional, social and spiritual support for young people around a range of challenges including:

• anger
• low self-esteem
• anxiety
• self-harm
• loneliness

Just one example of its programmes is Open House, which tackles the fast-growing sense of isolation amongst young people through cookery and social action.

During Covid-19 lockdown, the group could not meet – and so Youthscape adapted the programme to deliver free food parcels every to the homes of hundreds of families. Called ‘Cook with Youthscape’, it's been an overnight success.

Director Jemimah, leads on Youthscape’s work in Luton schools, churches, and at its building in Bute Mills. He said: "the packs include all the ingredients young people need to cook their families a healthy and delicious evening meal. More than 300 young people are signed up and it’s been tremendously effective."

Joanna said: "I just want to say a big thank you to Youthscape for its fabulous support. We received the first pack of ingredients and my daughter Kate really enjoyed making the cottage pie.

"Kate loves to cook and bake but at the minute it’s been hard to get the ingredients. We're relying on supermarket deliveries. I also have a son who's a fussy eater so it’s been a great way to encourage us all to try new things. This really has been the perfect project for us."

Another parent said: "I just wanted to say thank you so much for the package you bought to us for Leah* to make dinner. She did fantastically, it tasted delicious and she had a real sense of achievement."

Being a teenager can be challenging even at the best of times, and Youthscape is committed to doing all it can to support young people through these years.

The organisation has been supported by funding from Luton Council’s airport company London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL) for many years and, in March 2020, was awarded a further £7,500 to help maintain services during lockdown. 

Just two more of the organisation’s projects include:

• Get independent, which helps looked-after children develop the resilience to deal with the complexities of life both in and beyond care
• Compass, which enhances the aspirations of those at risk of disengaging from school

Youthscape also does a large amount of work in schools, using assemblies, small groups, 1:1 work and other creative activities to help young people:

• develop character
• explore mental and emotional wellbeing
• learn new skills

Jemimah described the challenge for Youthscape in responding to coronavirus.

She said: "in common with people in all kinds of work, we have had to be creative and prepared to experiment and learn quickly. 

"Our initial responses included digital mentoring and drop-ins, however those that received the most engagement from young people were more practical in nature.

"It's clear that Cook with Youthscape has been incredibly beneficial for young people and their families all across Luton during this time. We've received so much gratitude expressed through emails and on the doorsteps.

"The emergency grant from London Luton Airport Ltd has been vital and we couldn’t have done it without this financial support."

* Names have been changed