Charity chooses Wolverhampton as first office location

A West Midlands charity working to tackle youth violence and build mental health resilience has moved into its first office location.

First Class Foundation has occupied a 274 sq ft office at the former Carillion House building in Salop Street, Wolverhampton.

The charity, which delivers services on behalf of West Midlands Combined Authority, Sandwell Youth Offending Service and the Youth Justice Board, has previously been home-based since its inception in 2019.

Chief executive, Sabrina Dennis, said that the move will provide enhanced facilities for the charity 's seven employees and facilitate its future growth.

She said: “We 're thrilled to have moved into a new home in the heart of Wolverhampton. It means that we have a shared space for meeting and collaboration, rather than exclusively operating remotely, which will be even more important as we bring new people into our team.

“Although we have proved that virtual working can be successful, our practitioners are increasingly undertaking sensitive work involving issues of youth violence and mental health. The new office space provides sound proof booths and private meeting space to guarantee client confidentiality. ”

First Class Foundation is best known for its delivery of Kitchen Table Talks, a six-month self-funded community pilot programme for the parents of young people aged 13-25 in Sandwell.

The project has since expanded to become a successful vehicle for tackling issues including youth violence, knife crime and county lines.

Last year the charity was also awarded a new regional 'pathfinder ' project, focused on reducing serious youth violence in the West Midlands by engaging with the parents of young people involved in the youth justice system.

The pathfinder is being delivered collaboratively between seven Youth Offending Teams in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton in conjunction with their local Violence Reduction Unit.

Sabrina added: “We 're very proud that what started off as an idea to support parents in Sandwell, is now a regional service giving people a strategic voice about youth offending services in their area. ”

“It will encourage parents to know that they are not alone and that with access to support, education and mentoring from relatable role models, they can overcome the many challenges that arise during a parenting journey. ”

For more information, visit https://firstclassnation.com/

Pictured:Sabrina Dennis (one from right) and the team at Wolverhampton-based charity, First Class Foundation.