Kettering has become the latest community to benefit from Northampton Saints Foundation’s transformative Engage programme, with the opening of a new social inclusion hub aimed at supporting young people facing significant challenges in their academic and personal lives.
The Kettering hub, situated at Crescent Community Centre, builds on the Foundation’s proven success in towns like Northampton, Milton Keynes and Corby, where similar initiatives have been instrumental in creating opportunities for young people to reconnect with education and develop vital social and emotional skills.
The Engage programme is designed for individuals dealing with obstacles such as mental health difficulties, behavioural challenges, trauma, or educational disengagement. It offers a lifeline by providing bespoke support, tailored activities and opportunities to rediscover confidence and purpose.
Transforming lives through education and opportunity
The new Kettering hub aims to replicate the impressive results achieved elsewhere. For example, the Corby hub, in its first six months, reintegrated six students back into the education system, supported others into alternative pathways, and provided over 1,000 enriching sessions. The impact on participants’ self-esteem, resilience, and social skills has been profound.
Each young person at the Kettering hub will collaborate closely with Foundation staff and their support network to create a personalised ‘progression passport’ tailored to their unique needs and goals. Activities will range from skill-building workshops to confidence-boosting trips, such as climbing, sports, and creative arts.
Community and leadership support
The opening of the hub underscores the Foundation’s commitment to empowering local youth and fostering positive futures. Inclusion Manager, Emilie Harbottle, said:
“We are thrilled to launch this new hub in Kettering, expanding our ability to make a difference for more young people. We’ve seen the remarkable impact these hubs have in other areas, and we’re confident this initiative will transform lives here too. Our ambition is to provide every young person with the opportunity for a positive future, to thrive and feel valued.”
Ongoing impact and collaboration
The Kettering hub joins a network of Engage programmes operating in Northampton, Corby and Milton Keynes. Together, these initiatives have already supported hundreds of young people and are funded by the generosity of grant providers, local authorities, and community supporters.
With the new hub in Kettering, the Foundation continues to pave the way for a positive future for young people, one step at a time.
To learn more about the Engage programme, make a referral, or explore ways to support the initiative, visit the website or email engagemanagers@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org
