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The Right to Succeed charity have launched the Cradle to Career programme looking to support children, young people and families in left behind communities across the region. It said, currently, 36 per cent of children in the West Midlands live in poverty, which is the highest level in the UK. The West Midlands Cradle to Career programme has commenced discovery work in Blakenall, Walsall, and Bordesley Green, East Birmingham, and will be rolled out to four further wards in September 2026. Residents, professionals and community leaders will collaborate on work including raising literacy levels, improving school attendance, enhancing access to education and employment and localising family support. The scheme is being launched alongside alongside local authorities, and partners, including the Mayor of the West Midlands, The Rigby Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, UBS Optimus Foundation and the Swann Foundation. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said, “Every young person in the West Midlands should have the chance to get on in life. That’s what drives me. “When we back our young people, we’re backing the future of our region – building on their talents with strong support, education and care. “Programmes like Cradle to Career are showing what’s possible when schools, families and local leaders work together to open up opportunity for every child.” Graeme Duncan, CEO of Right to Succeed, said: “We are delighted that the Mayor of West Midlands, The Rigby Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, UBS Optimus Foundation and the Swann Foundation have come together to make Cradle to Career West Midlands possible. “We are so excited to be able to start to work with the communities of Blakenall in Walsall and Bordesley Green in East Birmingham, and help them define and deliver the change they need and want. “We can’t wait to see what these communities, and the four due to start in September 2026, can achieve together.” And Steve Rigby, Chair of The Rigby Foundation and Co-CEO of Rigby Group, said: “I was born and raised in the West Midlands, Rigby Group is based here, and my family and I are deeply committed to supporting the local community. “That’s why The Rigby Foundation is so proud to partner with Right to Succeed, the Mayor of the West Midlands, and others to help improve the lives of our local children and young people. “The future holds tremendous promise for our youngsters, and thanks to everyone involved, I know that Cradle to Career West Midlands will ensure that every young person in the region has the chance to thrive.”
