Kids In Communication - Organisational Info

Kids In Communication - Organisational Information

What is the full legal name of your organisation: Kids In Communication

Does your organisation use a different name in your day-to-day work: KIC / KIC Radio / Kicsters / KIC Academy

What type of organisation are you: Not-for-profit limited by guarentee

What is the main or registerred address of your organisation: Tudor House, 37a Birmingham New Road, Wolverhampton, WV4 6BL

Company number: 03220406

Website (KIC Radio): www.kicradio.co.uk

Website (Kicsters): www.kicsters.co.uk

Our Directors: We are run by a small team of staff who have an excellent understanding of the needs of young people, combined with strong technical knowledge of technology and youth engagement techniques. The team is also well connected locally within the business and community sectors.

Robert Smith; Formed Kids In Communication, better known as KICfm, in1996 to provide a platform for youth voice (KICfm) #TheVoiceOfANewGeneration. His skills lie in creating strong partnerships with local and national partners who support youth voice and the skills development of 20,000+ young people. Over the last 25 years he has successfully managed and delivered programmes including: Millennium Volunteers (3 Years - £300,000), V Inspired (6 Years - £600,000), Headstart (3 Years - £50,000), National Express Foundation (3 years - £50,000), Youth Investment Fund (3 Years - £115,000).
Leigh White; Leigh has been involved with KIC (and a number of other charities) for over 15 years, drawing on his breadth of experience to offer governance and guidance where required. He has a broad career in both public and private sectors. He has overseen large capital investment programmes for an educational trust and in recent years held senior management roles, specifically in marketing and communications, within the financial services sector (including a regulated senior management function).
Jon Matthews; Jon has worked to support KIC since 2016 advising on grant and funding matters. Jon has worked within the community sector for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience not only in funding but also management, monitoring and business development. We are also all too aware of the lack of multi-year grants, so need to maintain ongoing funding each year. We have expertise within the team and a director who is a fundraising consultant and therefore have considerable knowledge and expertise within the organisation to secure the funding needed.

Our directors are responsible for:

Setting and maintaining the vision, mission and values of the organisation.
Developing direction, strategy and planning.
Ensuring the organisation has the structure and resources for its work.
Establishing policies and procedures to govern organisational activity, including guidance for the board, volunteers and staff.
Establishing systems for reporting and monitoring.
Managing risk and ensuring compliance and accountability with the governing document, external regulators, and the law.
Making certain that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.

The Directors meet quarterly and are in regular phone/email contact throughout the year. The Chief Executive works closely with Benjamin Williams, Project Manager, daily on planning and delivering activities.

Our accounts are externally prepared by Howell Davies Ltd Chartered Accountants and our accounting year ends on 31st January. We have enclosed the latest set of accounts which demonstrate good financial health and effective use of past funding.

KIC Staff (Full time, Part Time, & Sessional)

Benjamin Williams; Benjamin Williams: Level 3 in Youth Work Practice, accreditation in safeguarding and child protection, Emergency First Aid at Work and Mental Health First Aider.
Elizabeth Giles: Foundation Degree and currently undertaking TV Production Degree
through BBC Traineeship. Mental Health First Aider, Level 3 in Youth Work Practice.
Kira Salts;
Daniel Norgrove;

Volunteers are also an integral part of our team supporting the design of services, planning and delivery of activities and training, and content for distribution on KIC platforms.

Our Programmes

KIC RADIO

KIC Radio is a youth-led, community-focused radio network that empowers young people across the West Midlands by giving them a platform to develop their voices, skills, and confidence. Through accessible broadcasting and media opportunities, KIC Radio engages young people in meaningful discussions about the challenges they face, while promoting positive wellbeing and social connection.

Our expanding youth radio network provides hands-on experience in broadcasting and the wider creative industries, equipping participants with practical skills, industry insight, and pathways into employment, education, and training. By combining high-quality programming with inclusive participation, KIC Radio creates a dynamic environment where young people can explore media, express themselves authentically, and shape their futures.

KIC ACADEMY

KIC Academy is a youth-focused creative media training programme run by Kids In Communication (KIC) and delivered from the KIC Studios in Walsall. It is aimed primarily at young people aged 15 to 24 and provides hands-on experience in media, broadcasting, music, and digital production. [kicradio.co.uk]

The academy offers a free six-week programme covering areas such as:

Radio presenting and production
Podcast creation
TV production
DJing
Music production
Digital media skills [kicradio.co.uk]

The programme is designed to help young people develop:

Confidence and communication skills
Teamwork and employability skills
Technical media production skills
Industry knowledge from professionals working in broadcasting and media sectors [kicradio.co.uk], [go.walsall.gov.uk]

KIC Academy also gives participants opportunities to work towards accredited qualifications, including awards related to working in digital technology industries. [kicradio.co.uk], [go.walsall.gov.uk]

The academy is connected to KIC Radio, a youth radio station and non-profit organisation based in the Walsall area that supports young people through media, broadcasting, and community projects.

KICSTERS

Kicsters is a local youth club and activity programme in Walsall, focused on digital skills, creativity, and helping young people develop confidence and opportunities.

Kicsters provides free or low-cost activities and support for young people, including:

Gaming, VR, and digital activities
Photography, radio & podcasting
Coding, animation, filmmaking, and web design
Workshops, social action projects, and community activities

KIC Radio - Successful Grant Applications:

GRANT 1: REACHING COMMUNITIES - £240,000 over 3 years)

What is the name of your project: KIC Radio

Where will your project take place: West Midlands

Project location: West Midlands - Whilst the delivery location will be Walsall (Darlaston, Shelfield and Brownhills) we want to engage young people from across the West Midlands. We’ll do this via our online radio platform and app.

How will you spend the money: Management / Supervision Administration Evaluation Wages Delivery Sessional Support Volunteer Expenses Equipment / Software Training / Consultancy Marketing & PR Staff Travel Expenses Staff / Volunteer DBS' Venue Hire Awards Legal Accounting Insurance

The main goal of Kicsters is to:

Help young people learn new skills and build confidence
Encourage them to have a voice on issues affecting them (like mental health or community concerns)
Support personal development and social skills
Give opportunities to get involved in the community

Tell us why your organisation is the right one to manage this project:

KIC has a proven track record of success with 28+ years’ experience delivering successful projects providing a platform to amplify youth voices and supporting 25,000+ young people to gain new skills, many of whom have gone onto careers in the media industry. Our unique KIC Radio trailer is fully equipped with the latest technology to record and broadcast youth-generated content and increase engagement. Our app is available to download for free on Google Play and Apple. We have a strong staff team with backgrounds in youth work, media and business management. Our Project Manager is a former KIC volunteer and we have a user group providing feedback to inform the project's development. We have trainers who are producers for national radio stations, BBC and successful DJs, providing positive role models and a wealth of experience and inspiration. Kicsters has successfully operated in Walsall for 10+ years and demonstrates measurable success in improving confidence, mental health and providing valuable skills to young people. We have a track record of re-engaging students in education and helping them find their voice through creative and technological outlets. We’re an open-access, youth-led project giving young people the opportunity to undertake exciting digital activities, form positive relationships, create a local community support network and integrate and build trust with the community. We’ve previously received Reaching Communities funding which saw levels of engagement increase from 100 young people in year 1 to 300 in year 3. This project will enable us to grow this further through expanding the provision into Shelfield. During this time we’ve seen a rise in the number of young people coming to us with SEND and challenging behaviours and have many positive case studies of the difference these clubs have made to those with autism, ADHD and other conditions. We have long-standing relationships with local communities in Darlaston, Brownhills, and Shelfield. Our presence is trusted by partners including Walsall Council, Walsall Police, Walsall Housing Group, schools and Walsall Refugee and Migrant Centre and our initiatives are well-received giving us the confidence to continue and expand this work. "The Council has worked with KIC for over 10 years. They have delivered services across the borough and we find them effective across a range of agendas. I have particular praise for their work in Darlaston where they have made a positive contribution to a particular estate with several challenges. I would not hesitate to recommend them as they deliver, they have solid infrastructure and a flexible approach. They are one of our key trusted partners in the youth arena” - Paul Gordon, Director of Resilient Communities, Walsall Council. Our KIC Studios and KIC Community Hub are already in place at Ormiston Shelfield Academy and are operational and ready to begin new activities. We’ve developed sub programmes which provide essential support to young people like warm spaces, food, sanitary products and school uniforms. This work is made possible through the long term development of partnerships with Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Ormiston Shelfield Academy, Tesco and ASDA.

What would you like to do:

We want to continue our successful Kicsters Digital Youth Clubs in Darlaston and Brownhills and launch a new club in Shelfield using our KIC Radio/podcasting studios and KIC community hub. KIC Radio and app is an innovative initiative to engage and empower disadvantaged young people aged 10-21 by providing a national youth radio station. The project integrates digital and physical spaces and champions inclusivity, uniting diverse voices to discuss critical issues. By fostering a sense of community, KIC Radio provides a platform where young people can advocate for issues that matter to them in an exciting, safe and supportive environment whilst gaining valuable skills for the future. We will engage with 300 young people annually through three weekly youth clubs in each area focusing on digital skills and social action, acting as feeder projects to KIC Radio. The project will: Create a place for young people to make new friends; integrating different ages, cultures and backgrounds. Provide training and skill development in radio production, communication, teamwork and leadership. Offer opportunities for those 16+ to gain Level 1 Award in Skills for Working in Digital Industries through AIM Qualifications. Increase confidence and communication skills as young people design, produce and broadcast content for their peers giving them a voice on youth issues. This is shared on our KIC Radio app, allowing young people to listen to live broadcasts, or catch up on-demand, access podcasts, join community listener clubs and seek support. Offer dedicated streams for specific communities eg Ukrainian refugees, helping them integrate into local communities and connect with dispersed friends/family. Provide access to on-site and third party support services. Our project targets individuals disengaged from mainstream education and facing personal challenges that hinder social and educational development including: Socially isolated youth seeking to build new friendships and social networks Individuals with SEND requiring tailored support and inclusive opportunities Victims of knife crime seeking a safe space to express themselves and find support Young people with poor mental health, needing a platform to discuss their challenges and access resources. Young carers and care leavers who miss out on social and educational opportunities, seeking understanding and support. Migrants and refugees, seeking stability and integration into new communities, LGBTQ+ facing challenges related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Benefits for young people and the community include: Reducing anti-social behaviour and enhancing community safety and cohesion through early intervention and engaging young people in safe, constructive activities, diverting from potentially harmful behaviours. Promoting inclusivity by bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds, including SEND, knife crime victims and Ukrainian refugees, fostering social integration, reducing isolation and promoting cultural understanding. Empowering young people to discuss and advocate for issues that matter to them, promoting civic engagement and insight into social issues. Skills development and qualifications in radio production and digital industries, improving future prospects for further education and employment. Support with health, wellbeing and cost of living issues through projects such as HAF, donation of sanitary products and school uniform swaps.

How does your project involve your local community:

We surveyed 87 young people attending Kicsters which indicated a desire for more opportunities to voice their opinions (in response to recent riots), make new friends, be safe and learn new skills. They were keen to influence others and participate in a fun, tech-oriented environment. They also highlighted concerns including academic performance, personal and emotional challenges and career prospects. Key findings: 65% have SEND 89% reported increased skills 97% felt their confidence had improved 92% felt less isolated 95% said their mental health had improved 82% had made new friends Some of the key findings of the Council’s youth consultation which our project responds to are: Only 32% of young people felt they had the opportunity to influence change in their area. 86% said it was important for young people to have their say on local issues but 46% don't feel decision makers take youth voices into account. The top 5 issues that emerged as important to young people were: Crime and community safety Environment and climate change Education, skills and achieving aspirations Support services for young people How organisations spend money. Some of the reasons young people are reluctant to have their say included: they feel ignored; they’ve never been asked; anxiety to speak up and there’s nothing available locally for young people to have their say. The top way that young people want to have their say and input into designing services is online. We work closely with local strategic partners to deliver focused activities around these needs. In response to concerns about community safety/knife crime, we provided a Young Responders course in partnership with St John Ambulance at two of our clubs. Over recent months, KIC has engaged with young people and youth agencies revealing concerns about employment, school safety, bullying, knife crime, mental health and social isolation. Specific consultations and projects include: 100+ students at Walsall College during the Knife Angel project expressed concerns about rising levels of knife crime in Walsall (December 2023) 20 refugee families through Birmingham Migrant Centre highlighted the need for skills/qualifications and a platform to share experiences (August 2023) Street Teams expressed a desire for safe spaces and skill-building opportunities. (10 young people and 4 staff) Shelfield Ormiston Academy wants material to engage children in learning and provide a new after-school activity in a safe space. (March 2024 ) E-Act West Walsall Academy want to engage those who have dropped out of the education system (May 2024) Walsall Youth Summit (August 2024) - we interviewed 50+ young people including LGBTQ+, care leavers and refugees and have invited them to develop specific support programmes and podcasts. The Police Commissioner/Walsall Police noted the ineffectiveness of existing youth crime strategies and supported innovative approaches like KIC Radio. The relocation of our trailer to Shelfield has already acted as a catalyst for the community to form a partnership to tackle ASB issues in the local community. Walsall NHS Trust and CAMHS identified KIC Radio as a potential resource for mental health initiatives.

How does your idea fit with other local activities:

Our Kicsters clubs have no fees or joining requirements making them accessible to all. As a result, they are growing in popularity and we have waiting lists to join demonstrating the need for an additional club in Shelfield. Many other local provisions are not free to access or require young people to own sports equipment to participate. We have received a great deal of support from Ormiston Shelfield Academy who have provided a space for us to locate our radio studio trailer and access to power which helps to reduce delivery costs. They have also given us access to a caretaker's house which will be used as a community hub for mental health support, managed by us but available for other support services and community groups to book widening the support offer to young people. Young people and parents told us they wanted somewhere safe to go that is fun, where they can learn and have their voices heard. There is no provision like KIC, locally or regionally, where young people get their voices heard and can communicate with other young people. Social media allows sharing of content but this is unfiltered/unregulated. KIC Radio and the KIC app enables regulated content generated by young people, for young people. It is free and easy to access, similar in functionality to the BBC Sounds App. KIC Radio will enable young people and other community groups to access much larger audiences, locally and nationally. This not only helps them increase their reach, but allows more people to enter discussion and broaden debate giving perspectives from people of different cultures, ethnicities and experiences. The uniqueness of what we offer is reflected in the enthusiasm of the organisations who are interested in us - Manchester United Foundation, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Walsall Academy, E- ACT West Walsall Academy and Walsall FC. The Police Commissioner has said that existing youth crime strategies are not working so new approaches such as KIC Radio that reflect the needs of young people are desperately needed. We are already well connected within our community having partnership working arrangements with Walsall Housing Group, West Midlands Police, One Walsall, Walsall Council Children’s Services, Walsall Refugee & Migrant Centre, Street Teams, The Inspire Group and Walsall Health Watch. We have already established relationships with Ukrainian Youth Club Kryla and a Ukrainian orchestra in the UK and in Ukraine All of these agencies signpost young people to us whom they identify could benefit from the activities and support we offer. In the last 3 months we have received at least 20 new referrals via these channels. These agencies also provide information that we can use in developing content for broadcasts to promote their support services whilst they benefit from learning more about the needs of young people. This allows the agencies to see the positive impact of our work and gives them the confidence in what we do to signpost more young people to us enabling the project to grow organically.

In Kind Support

Ormiston Shelfield Academy; Provision of large, secure base for KIC Studios trailer, car parking, internet, power, security, lighting, site management, access to community house for training and support

Value: £42,000 / year

Haywards Transport; KIC Studios trailer maintenance. This enables the trailer to be mobile for KIC to support community activities across Walsall.

Value: £10,000 / year

Sustainability

Over the past few years we have been developing our sustainability model based around the KIC Studios trailer being fully operational and delivering a range of additional income-generating services. Since launching in October with our KIC Conference, we have generated significant interest in our programme from schools, local community organisations and small businesses.

Whilst we envisage a need for continued grant support from funders for core delivery, we are aiming to grow income streams from external sources which will help us build reserves and increase the range of programmes on offer to the local community.

Our target is to reduce the reliance on grant income to 60% of our overall income by the end of year three with the remaining funding coming from service delivery, equipment hire, content creation and value in kind support through our strong partnerships. The long-term vision is to establish a self-sustaining model where sponsorships, collaborations, and service fees contribute 40% of annual costs post-grant.

Service delivery
Partnership
Grant income

Service Delivery

There is already a strong demonstrable demand for the facilities and services we offer through Kids In Communication. Our KIC Studios trailer and pop-up engagement tools, including digital graffiti wall and other event based engagement equipment, are available to hire by local organisations to help them gather evidence for youth and community consultation.

Our studios are designed to support others in content creation for their social media marketing. We have strong links with local authorities, schools, colleges and youth organisations for these services. This demand provides a reliable revenue stream that helps us build reserves and bridge any funding gaps, ensuring the long-term stability of our organisation. We expect to attract an additional £20,000 per year through the provision of these services.

Partnerships

KIC has strong and well established partnerships with local businesses and national brands that prioritise community support. A prime example is our partnership with Ormiston Shelfield Academy, who have committed to a long-term collaboration aimed at benefiting the local community.

They provide us with a site and power for the KIC Studio trailer, valued at approximately £30,000 annually. Additionally, we have free use of the caretakers house, valued at £20,000 per year, which serves as a hub for community facilities, including training courses and health and wellbeing programs. This will be managed by ourselves but available to other local groups within the community to deliver additional support to the local community.

Letters of partnership

Grant Income

To sustain our organisation, we actively seek additional funding from grant providers such as Arts Council England, the National Lottery Community Fund, and other youth-focused organisations. Kids In Communication have a strong track record in securing grants, demonstrating our ability to deliver and sustain both short and long-term projects.

Recently, Jon Matthews, who is a professional bid writer with over 20 years’ experience, joined our board of directors to expand and diversify our grant funding. This has enabled us to work with a broader range of young people, including refugees, care leavers, looked-after children, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We have also developed programmes focusing on key issues highlighted by young people such as mental health, knife crime, homelessness and the cost of living. We are therefore confident in our ability to raise the money for our future sustainability.

Notable grant successes in the past two years include:

Trusthouse Foundation: £7,500
Healthy Activities Fund: £10,000
UK Shared Prosperity Fund: £18,530
Dulverton Trust: £4,595
Reaching Communities: £151,208
Heart of England Inclusive Communities: £53,416
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner: Helping Communities Fund: £5,000
Unites by 2022 for Bring the Power KIC Conference: £7,000
Walsall Council Small grants for consultation around knife crime - £6,000

We have successfully managed European Social Fund (ESF) grants, further showcasing our capability to handle large-scale funding projects.

Moving forward, we will continue to build on this success by seeking new grant opportunities. We have already identified specific funders, application timelines, and projects for future funding, ensuring a diversified and sustainable income stream.

KIC has many strengths which we utilise in securing grants

Positive track record of delivery against targets with 30 years of experience.
New innovative approach to delivering activities on a wide range of topics from refugees to sport to knife crime to LGBTQ+ issues.
Well established reslationships with other groups and agencies.
Ability to bring people together from different backgrounds, cultures and ages.
Our range of specialist technical media equipment.
Mobility of delivery from the KIC Studios trailer.
Good reputation amongst young people and parents in Walsall and the wider area.

Outcomes & Outputs of our work

Outcomes

Young people have improved future prospects for further education and employment
Empowering young people to engage in civic activities and social issues.
Promotes inclusivity and greater understanding of community youth issues
Reduce anti social behaviour
Improved health wellbeing of young people.

Outputs

Skills development and qualifications in radio production and digital industries.
Young people produce media content for their peers on issues important to them
Greater confidence and reduced isolation
Uses digital media to record and share stories and experiences of young people; leading to discussion and understanding of issues faced by minority groups
Engaging young people in safe and constructive community activities
Support young people with health, wellbeing and cost of living issues

How we measure outcomes and outputs

Attendance levels at Kicsters clubs and radio station
Volunteer hours completed
Annual survey and feedback of participants
Number of listeners to broadcast (website analytics)
Comments, levels of engagement and feedback on broadcasts
Feedback from Neighbourhood police, schools, local businesses and neighbourhood security teams on crime levels and trends.
Survey of participants on changes in behaviour
Track number of reports ukcrimestats.com/

Quarterly reports of the project will be given to the board along with any suggestions/ recommendations to improve the project. This process will ensure we keep on track to reach our outcomes and make any adjustments to delivery as required. We will use the RAG rating to clearly show areas where the project is on target and where there are any areas of under performance. Areas where we are under achieving by 25% of more will be Red and given additional input to identify how to improve. Should any target reach below 50% we will alert the Lottery and discuss how we can reprofile the outcomes.

Monitoring will be the responsibility of the Project Manager, who will collate and prepare reports for the board and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Measurement tools:

The success and impact of the activities we will deliver is measurable through a number of mechanisms:

Attendance Register; Tracks participant names and hours of attendance to monitor engagement and attendance.
Pre and Post-Project Skills Assessment; Evaluate changes in participants' technical, communication and leadership skills.
Annual Participant Survey; We collect feedback on the benefits of the project and suggestions for improvement ensuring the project is co designed by young people. This is distributed online and promoted at clubs and on social media.
1:1 Progress Sessions; Personalised discussions to review individual achievements, challenges and future goals to allow sessions to be tailored accordingly. These are held at least quarterly with participants.
Peer Reviews; Encourage participants to provide feedback on each other’s contributions to foster self-reflection and collaborative growth. This is an ongoing process, shared informally at team meetings and used to encourage/praise individuals progress and help anyone identifying problems in their activities. This includes using podcasts and peer interviews as we have found previously young people will often be more open talking to peers than to staff.
Quarterly Review Sessions; Facilitate group discussions to assess the overall progress and effectiveness of the project. We capture this information to highlight specific achievements, what has worked well and where we can strengthen our delivery in the coming quarter. This involvement is key to helping participants maintain ownership of the project
Case Studies; Develop detailed case studies highlighting individual participant journeys, showcasing personal growth and success stories. These are valuable to show the true impact our work has on changing a young person's life.
Referrer Feedback; Gathers input from referring organisations and schools to evaluate external perceptions of participant growth and project impact. This also helps us to maintain these external relationships and keep abreast of developments in the activities we are offering.
Qualifications and certificates completed; We record the number of people completing courses and gaining qualifications.
Online engagement; We gather analytics data from our social media channels and website to track the engagement of young people. This also shows age, gender, location and times of engagement. We then use this information to better understand who is engaging and when and if we are missing any key demographic groups.

All records are kept electronically, and data is stored in secure online folders. Data is kept in line with contractual obligations after the participant leaves unless they ask us to remove the data in line with their rights as part of GDPR.

GRANT 2: AWARDS FOR ALL - £20,000

What is the name of your project?: SEND - Moving into Adulthood

Where will your project take place?: West Midlands

Tell us all the locations the project will run in: Walsall

What is the postcode of the location where your project will take place?: WS4 1BW

What would you like to do?:

We’ll deliver a 12-month, open-access programme from our new, fully accessible KIC Studios building on a successful pilot scheme (30 participants), supporting young people with mental health difficulties and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as they transition from school into further education, volunteering or employment. The programme provides a specialist, skills and communication-based offer, designed to integrate young people with SEND into realistic workplace settings. Young people face significant barriers when leaving school, including low confidence, anxiety, communication challenges, isolation and limited opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. Feedback from parents, organisations and young people at the Wolverhampton SEND Careers Fair, highlighted concerns about the lack of support, progression routes, facilities, and local work experience opportunities which allow young people to play a role in society. We address this gap by offering, open-access, out-of-hours, extra curricular provision. We have brought together specialist partners to enable young people to access employment and to create understanding with employers about accommodating SEND. We are at the forefront in collaboration with a new initiative - NHS Workwell. Building on our experience of innovative engagement, Workwell will provide health and career support to participants and our links with local colleges and local authority employment teams such as Walsall Works, will support pathways to business. The project will provide an additional 20 hours of support per week for 40 weeks (800 additional hours) benefitting 50 participants aged 16–25 over the project. Sessions will combine radio production, podcasting, performance and audio-visual activities with accredited learning and the development of transferable employment skills. The opportunity will be promoted through established referral routes including colleges, schools, DWP/NHS WorkWell and GP social prescribing and social media. We’ll gather regular feedback from participants, parents, education providers and partners, alongside tracking attendance, progression and outcomes in order to continuously improve the offer.

How does your project meet at least one of the funding priorities?:

Our programme brings young people together in a supportive, inclusive environment, helping them form meaningful connections with peers, employers, and specialist partners across the West Midlands. By integrating participants with SEND alongside mainstream students, we create opportunities for collaboration, understanding, and stronger community networks. Young people facing similar employment challenges work together on meaningful projects that encourage discussion, sharing experiences and building lasting friendships. Delivery takes place in our fully accessible KIC Studios, a safe, structured, state-of-the-art space where participants develop skills at their own pace, feel encouraged to talk openly, and learn they are not alone. This boosts confidence, self-esteem, and personal growth helping them to reach their full potential. The programme supports young people as they transition from school into further education, volunteering, or employment, providing skills workshops, workplace experiences, and confidence/personalised support. Free, open-access provision removes barriers and helps build resilience, independence, and stronger community connections.

How does your project involve your community?:

Following the Wolverhampton SEND Careers Fair where young people/parents expressed concerns about a lack of opportunities and support after education, we worked with schools, SEND young people and parents to develop a pilot programme supporting young people into adulthood. 30 participants engaged whom had previously been unable to find suitable placements. They highlighted the supportive, flexible environment and media activities that build confidence, communication and workplace skills. We received referrals from Walsall Works, The Link, Walsall College, Tettenhall Wood School and Wolverhampton College. Schools and colleges repeatedly request ongoing provision but lack the resources or expertise to deliver in-house. Following this success, we partnered with the NHS WorkWell programme, supporting young people with health barriers into employment, education or training. Our programme is shaped by young people who lead the creation of podcasts, radio/TV and performances giving them ownership and a sense of achievement, developing employability, teamwork and communication. Young people report the focus on individual development, not generic work experience, makes the programme meaningful and relevant. Participants build strong connections with peers, employers and partners, creating a supportive community network across Walsall. Ongoing feedback informs programme development, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of the community.

GRANT 3: BETTER YOUTH SPACES - £48,416.67

What is your primary outcome area that the organisations operates in?:

Training and Educations

Who are the primary beneficiarries of the organisations services?:

Vulnerable young people

Who are the secondary beneficiarries of the organisations services?:

People experiencing long term unemployment

Briefly tell us about the organisation, its social aims/objectives, its target beneficiaries and its current trading activities:

Kids In Communication (KIC) is a youth-led non-profit organisation with over 25 years experience empowering more than 30,000 young people across the West Midlands. We create safe, inclusive spaces where young people build confidence, improve digital and transferable skills, and access pathways into education, employment, and creative industries. Our KICSTERS youth clubs (10–16) support disadvantaged young people with wellbeing, friendships, and creative activities, while KIC Radio/Studios (16–21) provides media, digital, and volunteering opportunities that boost employability and amplify youth voice. Working with councils, police, and businesses, KIC reduces antisocial behaviour, supports families, and strengthens communities.

Can you give us a brief narrative description of how you will use this funding? (100 words maximum):

We will purchase a bespoke 40’x10’ mobile unit fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, creating an innovative, multi-use, creative safe space. This meets the demand from young people for additional activities and emerging technologies whilst providing a meeting/activity space, new music production studio, e-sports facility, youth podcast studio, AI development and digital training spaces. Additional equipment and space will double our capacity and increase our number of outreach sessions allowing an additional 100 volunteers to achieve 100 volunteer hours and 20 training opportunities annually. We have consulted widely with young people to shape this plan, ensuring relevance and demonstrating strong demand.

What primary impact will the funding have on youth activity?:

Enhance/Expand the reach of activities to young people

What secondary impact will the funding have on youth activity?:

Improve the future financial sustainability of the organisation

What percentage of regular provision at the site is for children/young people?: 76-100%

In a typical week, how many hours of youth provision do you provide for children/young people up to the age of 18?: 40

In a typical week, how many hours of open access youth provision do you currently provide for young people aged 11-18?: 40

Is the funding request specifically to benefit children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities, are leaving care, or who are considered ‘at risk’ or vulnerable?: Yes

How many hours a week of youth provision do you currently provide to children and young people this group?: 40

How do you involve young people in decision making at your organisation?:

At KIC, young people are central to every stage of decision-making. They co-design programmes, choose equipment, present and produce content and sit on our Youth Advisory Board who meet monthly. We regularly run consultation workshops (most recently in July 2025 for this application), and the feedback directly shaped the design of the new studios. Last year at KIC, we ran our inaugural KIC Youth Conference bringing 200 young people from across Walsall to influence local leaders and services. Their input ensures our provision remains relevant, inclusive, and genuinely youth-led.

Activity Name: KIC Radio & Kicsters

Activity Category: Creative Arts (e.g. Photography, Media)