Oxford-based charity Leys Community Development Initiative (CDI) has been successful in getting a grant of £499,078 from the Big Lottery Fund.

The Leys CDI, founded in 1995, works with young people and over-50s in the Leys community to live healthier and happier lives.

The grant money will be used to fund a project called ‘Vision Transition’ which is an exciting project aimed at all young people from 9-25 years living on the Leys.

With the help of this grant many disadvantaged young people will improve their life opportunities by working with lots of different organisations to gain new skills.

By taking part in the different developmental, educational and volunteering activities on offer from the Leys CDI, young people gain self-confidence and higher aspirations, equipping them to become engaged and responsible adults.

Furthermore the Leys CDI works actively with young people involved in crime to reduce offending by giving them the chance to learn new, positive skills, offering them positive motivation and enhanced life choices.

More than 200 young people are currently involved in the Leys CDI and are delighted that the Big Lottery funding application for the Vision Transition project has been successful.

Hearing about the fantastic news Fabian Audifferen, age 16, and member of the Leys CDI Youth Management Committee said: “Although that sounds like a cliché, this grant will further motivate us to follow our dreams to reach life’s potential.”

The Leys CDI Youth Project includes every young person, aged 9-25, living on the Leys and in the Oxford area who wants to participate.

The Leys CDI is enabling young people to reach their true potential. The Leys CDI invests in the future generation of tomorrow.

If you would like to get involved as a young person, a trustee, or as a volunteer please visit our website www.leyscdi.co.uk and contact the Leys CDI Youth Project on 01865 395927 or leyscdi@btconnect.com

We would love to hear from you. Being part of the Leys CDI is fun, inspiring and exciting. The work and support from everyone involved in the Leys CDI is recognised, valued and appreciated.