Save Future Projects

Future Projects is an amazing organisation based in Norwich that needs your support. You may know one branch of their excellent work in the from of Future Radio, often heard on the radio waves and laptops of residents from both near and afar. This brilliant station is just as likely to be playing metal, dubstep and reggae as it is discussing visual arts and debating community issues. All with equal levels of passion, humour and intelligence. They are also the organisers of the Next Big Thing music competition that endeavours to unearth and expose new talent across the East, with past winners including Ed Sheeran and The Kabeedies.

Future Projects was founded 10 years ago by two local residents in the NR5 area of Norwich in response to anti-social behaviour. Nowadays they employ over 50 staff and have over 500 volunteers, still working tirelessly and holistically to overcome social exclusion and enrich people’s lives. The project is now based in a purpose built studio and education block which houses their state of the art radio, media and music suite and education facilities.

Norfolk County Council are putting this incredible community project are risk by diverting funding to an international charity based in Reading and I just think that’s just plain wrong. This decision needs to be reversed, local charities are best equipped to tackle local issues. Help Future Projects, please sign the petition HERE and ‘like’ their Facebook page HERE then tell a friend, repost, tweet, write a letter, sign, send a pigeon, shout it out, compose a song, write a poem, blog, whisper, and pass it on.

From a personal view point of view I have worked with Future for several years as a reporter and I have never met more hardworking and heartfelt bunch of people who genuinely care. Whilst I was working as a support worker at homeless hostels in the region I saw first hand the impact they had on isolated young men and women. I do not know how to measure an increase in self-confidence and belief but I have most certainly seen it with young people who have been involved with Future Projects.

Don’t just take my word for it though, read Huw Sayers extremely eloquent analysis of the whole situation, then read THIS and THIS. Did you know about Iceni5 their community record label? Just one of their brilliant programmes. Please support Future Projects and ensure their Future remains in the community.

Article originally posted by Amy Wragg here.