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Having provided over £10,000 in grant funding to Durham students in its first edition, the Atom Futures Fund has returned for 2025. The fund was designed to help local students overcome some of the financial barriers they face when applying to the UK’s top research-intensive institutions.

Part 1 applications are now open to year 13 students who are eligible for free school meals, are care-experienced or have caring responsibilities. If a student meets one of these criteria and has made an application to study at a Russell Group University, they are eligible to apply to the fund.

Successful applicants from part 1 will receive £250 to support them in their academic journey, with the chance to receive a further £1,000 if they go on to attend their chosen Russell Group University.

To ensure the application process is as fair as possible, the application form should be completed by the student with support and input from a member of staff.

Atom Bank hopes that the fund can support more students in the year ahead and requests your support in signposting and recommending the fund to eligible students at your school or college. The fund will remain open for applications until 6th April.

More details about the fund, including a link to the application portal can be found here: Atom Futures Fund (Part 1) | Point North.

Finding the Right Path to Employment Transcript.pdf

At 17, Connor Usher found himself uncertain about his future. After leaving college because it wasn’t the right fit, he spent months unsure of what to do next. Traditional options like the Job Centre didn’t feel like the right place for him, and he didn’t know there were other organisations that could help.

That changed when he found DurhamWorks. Through their support, Connor gained confidence, improved his communication skills, and found a clear path forward. With the guidance of his advisor, he secured a role as a Peer Mentor with Groundwork. Now, he’s not just in full-time employment—he’s helping others who are in the same position he once was.

DurhamWorks gave Connor the direction and support he needed, and now he’s doing the same for others.

Do you want to:
Improve your health and well-being, increase your confidence, raise your employment targets and feel ready for work

E-nature Course
The six-week E-nature course will do all of this for you while making you more aware of green issues and helping you to link with your local community and local green spaces.

The course activities will take place both online and in community green spaces. The activities in green spaces which will be easily accessible for everyone and the online element allows you to explore nature at your own pace, choosing the experiences that interest you most.

Everybody taking part will receive a fitness and activity tracker and vouchers for outdoor activities on completion.

Find out more
Start date and venue to be confirmed.
If you’re aged between 16-24, live in County Durham and unsure of your next steps for finding employment, we can help you.

To find out more email: GNEC.AJob4You@groundwork.org.uk, or find us on Facebook AJobForYou Groundwork

Don’t wait for the right opportunity, create it!

Steps Toward Employment is a course run by Cornforth Partnership that will help you:

Gain qualifications

Create a CV

Provide one to one support

Provide online job search help

If you are aged between 16 and 24 and living in County Durham you can sign up to attend between 1.00pm and 3.00pm on Tuesday 4 February 2025 at Cornforth House, 68-70 High Street, High Cornforth, County Durham, DL17 9HS.

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.