A vehicle maintenance scheme scheme that aims to improve outcomes for hard to reach young people in Kidderminster has received a funding boost from Worcestershire Partnership.

Motov8 has received a grant of £50,000 from the Partnership's Health Improvement Fund to deliver the vehicle engagement scheme in Kidderminster. The grant will fund a co-ordinator for 2 years to promote and deliver opportunities for “hard to reach” young people aged 13-20.

A dedicated team of tutors will work with the young people to channel their interests into a programme of education that combines key skills with hands on learning around mechanics. And to improve the health outcomes for those involved, a learning mentor has been appointed to facilitate and promote good mental and physical well being by addressing issues including alcohol and substance misuse.

It is hoped that the young people who take part in the scheme will continue to build on their skills and move into further education and or employment.

The programme is already working 5 days per week, engaging some 35 young people in motor vehicle studies. The ‘twilight’ engagement scheme is about to begin, running two 3-hour evening sessions per week. Initially it will be offered to young people in the Oldington & Foley Park, Greenhill and Broadwaters areas, and eventually to young people across the Wyre Forest.

Rev Mark Badger (Motov8 Managing Director) said: “Being a ‘Kidderminster lad’ I am extremely pleased to have been able to help facilitate this much needed and long awaited facility within the Wyre Forest area. Working closely with Kidderminster College and other community agencies we hope that this project will help to improve the health and well being of those who join our programmes and at the same time help to improve community safety and promote community cohesion.’’

"Motov8 enjoys outstanding success in engaging some of the most difficult to reach young people and programmes such as this really do work - what young people achieve whilst they are with us can make a real difference to their lives! We're extremely grateful to Worcestershire Partnership for their support which will enable us to provide more young people with a positive framework for success."

David Priestnall, Vice Chairman of Worcestershire PCT said: “It is great to see so many young people engaged in this innovative scheme, the organisations involved are helping to making a real difference to the lives of those hardest to reach.”