Sequel is definitely better for Hull-based youth support service

BEF investment manager Duane Walker (left) with Caine Wild

A youth support service has become the first East Yorkshire business to gain financial support from Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Hull-based Wild Intervention, which delivers all-encompassing support to young people aged 16 and over, has secured a loan from NPIF II, following its launch earlier this year.

Managed by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF), the intervention will create 15 new jobs and safeguard 43 others.

Duane Walker, the Investment Manager at BEF, said: “Wild Intervention is an inspiring business with a strong social mission that transforms the lives of children and young people in the local community.

“Despite this, the business was unable to secure the finance it needed to enable growth, create new jobs, and increase the support it provides. Thankfully, NPIF II Smaller Loans is designed to support businesses like Wild Intervention.

“This investment not only reflects our dedication to fostering local businesses and innovation but also highlights the positive impact that targeted financial support can have on businesses addressing significant social needs.”

After leaving a career in the navy in 2016, Caine Wild set up Wild Intervention in 2020 with the aim of bringing the benefits of outdoor education to young people and to support children by providing safe, nurturing outdoor activity programmes to develop self-confidence, improve wellbeing and learn essential life skills.

The company also provides Supported Living services to ages over 16, as well as alternative education and outreach services to young people both at primary and secondary age.

During the last year, Wild Intervention began working with young people who have been excluded from school by helping them complete their Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.

It will use the funding from NPIF II to develop an app, called Sapling, that can accurately store, monitor, and track each person’s progress through their EHC plan.

Wild said: “Young people are the future of our country, which is why it’s so important we’re able to continue successfully supporting as many children as we can.

“This round of funding plays a central role in this aim by allowing us to develop the technology that will help young people gain the right level of support they need to thrive in the school environment.”

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

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