Andover is playing a key role in a national drive to empower young people, thanks to a partnership between the Sovereign Network Group (SNG) and creative social enterprise Beatfreeks.
The newly launched SNG Youth Social Action Network—part of the nationwide #iwill Fund—is focused on boosting opportunities for youth-led projects across the UK, with Andover firmly on the map as a key area of impact.
Local organisations including Andover Mind, Spotlight UK, and the Koala Community Hub have already benefitted from the initiative, receiving vital funding to support programmes that promote youth leadership, wellbeing, and community engagement.
Andover Mind’s ‘Be You’ Peer Champions project was awarded nearly £10,000 to train 50 young people aged 11–17 in peer support and mental health awareness. These Peer Champions now play a vital role in supporting their peers, building confidence, and promoting positive wellbeing in schools and youth spaces around the town.
Spotlight UK, which runs across several regions, used its funding to support young people in Andover aged 10–18 to engage in social action—through volunteering, fundraising, and campaigning. The programme helped develop teamwork, confidence, and essential life skills among local participants.
Meanwhile, the Koala Community Hub, based in Andover, was also supported through the Sovereign #iwill Fund. The Hub provides a welcoming, inclusive space for families and young people with additional needs—highlighting how the fund is reaching the heart of community life.
Now under the guidance of Beatfreeks, the newly strengthened Youth Social Action Network will offer quarterly events, workshops, and an online platform where groups across the SNG community can connect, share ideas, and collaborate on new youth-led initiatives.
Ellie Cutler, SNG’s #iwill Fund Project Officer, said:
“Partnering with Beatfreeks is a really exciting opportunity for us, and we’re delighted to be working together to increase youth social action opportunities across SNG communities.”
Anisa Morridadi, founder of Beatfreeks, added:
“Young people are leading change in communities across the UK—we’re here to make sure they have the backing to do it boldly.”
The #iwill Fund is backed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and The National Lottery Community Fund, with SNG acting as a match funder—having already awarded more than £540,000 to grassroots organisations and created over £12.5 million in social value.
Charities and groups in Andover and beyond can sign up to the SNG Youth Social Action Network via the SNG website.
For more information and to get involved, visit sng.org.uk/sng-iwill-fund/youth-network