Currently, the FW2 Project is awaiting decisions on applications for future funding, relevant decisions are expected during the next couple of months.

The FW2 Project has received messages of support from a range of Elected Representatives including the local AM, MP, and county councillors.

It also has received letters of support from various organisations including: End Child Poverty Network Cymru, Communities 1st Partnership Board rural north Flintshire, and a range of local training providers and partner organisations.

Local young people and parents have attended various meetings stating that they would like the project to continue.

Through its various initiatives the project supports 100 young people a year in rural north areas of Flintshire. The FW2 Project is cited as an example of good practice in a range of publications.

FW2 has provided one of the three components that made up the WorkWise initiative, however WorkWise draws to a close next month.

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The FW2 Project is a young people’s transport and youth work project for 16-25 year olds in rural north Flintshire, especially Communities 1st neighbourhoods.

FW2 supports access to work, education and training opportunities. It also fosters personal and social development. It is widely viewed as a ‘best practice’ project in Flintshire and Wales.

For more details of the project’s initiatives and its various schemes you can download the FW2 flyer 

The project has been running successfully since 2005, and its current programme is running until March 2011.

At the most recent meeting of the FW2 Steering Group, the funding situation of the project was discussed. Young people and parents participated, as well as representatives of partner agencies. It was hoped that future funding can be secured to keep the project running. The negative consequences of the potential ending of this project were also discussed.

The benefits and outcomes of scooter-loan schemes

Scooter loan schemes like FW2′s are sometimes called Wheels to Work (W2W) or Wheels to Learn (W2L) initiatives. There are over 60 similar schemes elsewhere in the UK, mostly in England.

 An evaluation of 12 of the Wheels to Work (W2W) and Wheels to Learn (W2L) schemes in England found that:

the most  obvious benefit is that they provide the means of accessing employment, education and training  opportunities that an individual might not otherwise have.

However, W2W/W2L is about much more than just providing the means to access work, education and   training opportunities. The schemes also help young people to increase their participation in the community and to  maintain an active social life, which in turn can improve opportunities and enhance life chances.

The evaluation from England also found that these schemes can provide 16-25 year olds with:

greater independence and improved  social skills; increased confidence and self-esteem; responsibility; improved road awareness and road skills; and greater opportunities.

The evaluation also found that organisations and agencies benefit from these schemes as well as young people. In addition there can be financial benefits for the wider economy. So far, similar benefits and outcomes have been identified with the FW2 project in Flintshire.

There’s a new round of applications for the FW2 Project, as there will soon be a limited number of places available on the project’s schemes.

• To request an application form and further information, please contact the Project on 01745 854881.
• Completed application forms will need to be returned by Friday 16th April, 2010.
• There will be interviews soon after the application deadline with shortlisted candidates.
• Please note, there is no guarantee of a place if you do apply or are interviewed as places are limited.

In summary, the FW2 Project focuses on developing transport schemes with young people aged 16-25 in the rural north areas of Flintshire. This includes a scooter loan scheme and other transport-related initiatives.

Are you aged 16-25? Are you from an area of rural north Flintshire? Is it very difficult for you to get to and from a job or course?

There’s another round of applications for the FW2 Project’s schemes (including a limited number of scooter loans, a limited ’pilot’ of powered mountain bikes, extra rider and driver support, and extra public transport info support).

Please call 01745 854881 for further info and/or to request an application form. There’s a deadline of Friday 27th November 2009 for the return of application forms.