Enabling Youth are Empowering the Next Generation in Pontefract and Knottingley

Across Pontefract and Knottingley, young people are finding confidence, purpose and opportunity thanks to the incredible work of Enabling Youth. Whether it’s through a casual chat on the street with the detached youth team, the thrill of motocross sessions, or life changing trips abroad, Enabling Youth is making a real difference every single day.

On the Ground, in the Community

At the heart of Enabling Youth’s approach is a deep connection to the community they work in. Their team of dedicated youth workers are a consistent and trusted presence in local neighbourhoods, meeting young people where they are and offering support that is responsive, understanding, and always youth led.

From advice and mentoring to simply being someone to talk to, this kind of outreach is essential, particularly for those who might otherwise feel disconnected from traditional services. It’s about showing up, listening, and building long-term relationships that create real lasting impact.

More Than Just a Youth Club

Enabling Youth’s reach doesn’t stop at street corners. They run several youth clubs across the area, creating safe, welcoming spaces for young people to explore their interests, meet new friends and build confidence. But they’ve gone even further…

With access to motocross and motorbike experiences, Enabling Youth offers an exciting adrenaline fuelled outlet that teaches responsibility, safety and discipline. These sessions are about more than motorbikes, they’re about learning life skills, working as a team, and pushing personal boundaries in a positive, safe and supported environment. This service is currently on hold as the bikes go through thorough service and safety checks.

As part of our 2024 Small Grants Round, Prosper Wakefield District was proud to support Enabling Youth with funding that allowed them to ramp up their digital engagement with fantastic results.

The grant gave them the opportunity to dedicate time and resources to improving their social media presence, including the launch of a new TikTok account. This has not only showcased the work they’re doing to a wider audience but has also become a powerful tool for reaching young people where they’re already active and engaged. This investment in digital storytelling is helping Enabling Youth raise awareness, recruit more participants, and amplify the voices of young people themselves.

Since setting up their TikTok account, Enabling Youth has picked up nearly 200 followers and over 1,300 likes, a big difference compared to their long-standing Facebook page, which has 68 followers. It just goes to show that when you ask young people what they want and meet them where they’re at, the engagement really starts to grow.

Building Bridges Across Borders

Enabling Youth’s ambition doesn’t stop at the district border either. Their strong partnership with Pontefract’s twin town in Germany, Herne has led to exciting opportunities for cultural exchange. Through regular trips and programmes, young people from both towns are learning about new cultures, sharing experiences, and building lasting friendships.

One young participant summed it up perfectly:

“This [trip to Herne, Germany] has been the best experience of my life, and something I never thought I’d have a chance to do.”

These exchanges are not just holidays, they’re an opportunity that may be out of reach. Life-changing journeys that open minds, spark life-long friendships, build independence, and inspire ambition.

A Final Word

The Prosper team is honoured to support organisations like Enabling Youth. Their passion, energy, innovative programmes and unrelenting commitment to young people is exactly what our district needs.

We look forward to seeing what they do next… on the streets, on the track, online and across Europe!