The Sapphire Community Group, which works across London to support young people and families from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds, has received £50,000 in funding from The Big Issue’s investment arm, Big Issue Invest.
Sapphire Community Group operates in Islington, Hackney, Camden, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich and Lambeth. It has worked with over 4,000 young people and families especially those from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds. The organisation equips young people to not only be the best version of themselves but also to find, follow and fulfil their purpose.
The community group is there to give a voice to the voiceless; this is done by providing a platform for young people to find and understand more about their aims and ambitions. The Group’s objective is to increase young people in education or training and encourage skills development. As well as to reduce mental health issues, homelessness, crime rates and unemployment.
The Sapphire Community Group provides mentoring, coaching, literature, education, entertainment, events and workshops; the purpose is to provide a platform and pathway for young people aged 10 to 30 years old.
By building strong youth networks with Sapphire’s variety of programmes and media, the organisation can instil the self-confidence and self-belief individuals need to stay inspired and thrive in creating extraordinary change. Fundamentally, these skills will encourage growth for the young people to see and reach their full potential as empowered gems.
To date, the organisation has: