News / OurCity2030
Major Bristol institutions unite in mission to combat inequality
A social enterprise is partnering with Bristol’s universities and major employers with an ambition to end the cycle of inequality and deprivation in the city.
Babbasa is a youth empowerment organisation that in 2021 set out a vision for upward social mobility and a target to support underrepresented young people from low income households to secure a median salary of £30,353 by 2030.
This new partnership marks the next stage of realising that vision and will see the members form an advisory board, which will work to convene community partners, businesses and funders focused on the goal of safeguarding the next generation from social immobility and inequality.
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Arup, Babbasa, Black South West Network, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital, Bristol City Council (acting through the One City Office), Business West, Cabot Learning Federation, University of Bristol and UWE Bristol are all signed up to the initiative, named OurCity2030.
Poku Osei, the founding director of Babbasa, said: “This is a momentous occasion, not just for the city of Bristol, but for other cities too, to realise what can pragmatically be done at a city level to unlock talent if we are intentional. Particularly at a time when we’re losing bright young and able minds to a life of crime, gangs, and despondency.
“It’s special to be able to have an agreement for a city model that brings together influential cross-sector institutions to tackle the problem head on.”
“It’s special to be able to have an agreement for a city model that brings together influential cross-sector institutions to tackle the problem head on,” says Poku Osei (pictured with Marvin Rees) – photo: Babbasa
OurCity2030 is underpinned by a socio-economic analysis by Babbasa, which has identified the challenges and opportunities facing young people in Bristol’s inner-city wards in the regional labour market.
The concept has been piloted over the last year and has supported 229 young people to achieve employment outcomes, with 78 of these advanced into work relevant to their career ambitions.
The aim is to support up to 600 young people a year, facilitating paths into the sectors that are thriving in the region, such as the technology and creative industries, while supporting employers to create inclusive work environments.
Mayor Marvin Rees said: “It has been fantastic to see Bristol’s businesses, universities and institutions come together to support Babbasa and OurCity2030 so far, with today marking an important milestone in unlocking the next stage in the programme. This initiative showcases what Bristol can achieve, with partners collaborating and driving forward a vision for a truly inclusive city economy.”
OurCity2030 aims to end the cycle of inequality – photo: Babbasa
Professor Palie Smart, associate pro-vice chancellor for global civic engagement at Bristol University, said: “Our city’s future depends on the success of our young people.
“By coming together across different sectors, including public, private and not-for-profits, we take a shared responsibility to reduce inequality and make Bristol an even better place.”
Tracey John, director of research, business and innovation at UWE Bristol, added: “UWE Bristol are delighted to be part of this important strategic partnership initiative, harnessing collective and unified action, resource and expertise to address city-region inequalities.
“We look forward to mobilising and leveraging our support through the partnership for inclusive social and economic impact outcomes.”
Find out more about the OneCity2030 initiative and register interest via: www.ourcity2030.com.
Main photo: Babbasa
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