Developing young community ambassadors in Harwich
21st February 2025
Young people in Harwich will be receiving valuable training and mentoring to become community ambassadors, thanks to funding from two local charitable funds.
African Families in the UK (AFiUK) based in Colchester has received £6,000 jointly funded by the Harwich Mayflower Legacy Fund and the Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) Community Fund, both of which are managed by the independent trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
AFiUK runs programmes across Essex that help people from ethnic backgrounds to connect with their local communities. The group serves as a one-stop place to receive advice, information, and matters relating to parenting for African families and other ethnic minorities living in the UK.
Rachel Walton, co-founder of AFiUK said, “We are so pleased to receive this funding which will enable us to run our Community Ambassador Training programme in Harwich.
“Our research has revealed that many young individuals have recently experienced heightened levels of bullying, racism, and fear, which is significantly impacting their well-being and sense of safety. There has also been a noticeable increase in anxiety, social withdrawal, and a reluctance to participate in community activities due to fear of being targeted.
“Our project in Harwich will focus on developing and nurturing young leaders who are deeply connected to their communities, equipping them to act as positive role models and effectively engage with and support, other young people in their community.”
The funding means AFiUK can provide comprehensive training, ongoing mentorship and the necessary resources to enable the young Ambassadors to make a meaningful impact and shape resilient, supportive and inclusive youth communities on a long-term basis.
Cllr Henderson, who set up the Mayflower Legacy Fund during his Mayoral year in 2020, visited the Vibe Youth Centre to meet the team who will be delivering this programme. He said, “It was a pleasure to meet the team behind this new initiative. Harwich as people will know, is a place close to my heart. It is a privilege to be able to support groups that are as passionate as I am about the community.
“Ethnic minority communities are still facing deep-rooted issues of racism and bullying. These have been heightened in recent times due to various high-profile cases of violence and unrest, which have since left significant impact on people’s mental well-being and sense of safety.
“It is more important than ever to support groups like AFiUK, who are tackling this issue with brilliant initiatives that will create a long-lasting positive impact in our communities.”
Since it was set up, the Harwich Mayflower Legacy Fund has given grants totalling over £11,000 to support local charities working in Harwich that are tackling a wide range of issues.
The Harwich Haven Authority Community Fund, set up with ECF in 2018, has given over £160,000 to charities and voluntary groups working in Harwich and Tendring, and is part of the company’s wider programme of community support.
Cllr Henderson with Rachel, Co-Founder of AFiUK and one-to-one Youth Coach, Judy.