HEY Confident Futures has secured three more years of funding, safeguarding and expanding vital leadership support for charities, community groups and cultural organisations across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Delivered by Two Ridings Community Foundation and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the renewed investment ensures the programme not only continues, but grows, as it approaches a decade of championing local voluntary and community sector leaders.
Born from listening to those on the ground, HEY Confident Futures was created for people who step up to lead because they care deeply about their communities, often without formal training or dedicated support. The programme gives them the tools, confidence, connections and space to lead well, sustain themselves and strengthen the organisations they serve.
In the past six years alone, 1,116 leaders have taken part in the programme, more than 550 are active network members, and over 500 events have been delivered — building one of the region’s most dynamic peer support communities.
Leaders describe HEY Confident Futures as one of the few places where they can be honest, reflect on their role and receive meaningful support.
Paula Bielby, HEY Confident Futures Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted with the continued support from The National Lottery Community Fund. Leaders across charities and community groups play a vital role in our region and often face challenging situations. Over the years, we have seen the impact of the programme grow, as individuals grow in confidence, leading to increased effectiveness within their organisations, which in turn translates into increased impact within their communities. It is a privilege to walk alongside them as this develops.”
As HEY Confident Futures has evolved, so has its offer, shaped directly by the experiences of local leaders. What began as a response to need has grown into a layered programme of support, including:
- A year-long ‘New to Leadership’ journey for those stepping up to leadership and exploring the role for the first time
- Targeted learning opportunities for leaders at all stages of their journey
- Peer networks reducing isolation and creating safe spaces for courageous conversations
- Coaching through the Yorkshire Accord partnership
- Structured reflective practice strengthening confidence, decision-making and resilience
The programme has also created dedicated spaces designed with and for Global Majority leaders, neurodivergent leaders and those with caring responsibilities, ensuring leadership support reflects the realities of who is leading today.
The next phase will go further, expanding activity in Goole and Withernsea, broadening access to coaching and introducing a new mentoring offer to deepen long-term support.
This momentum comes at a critical time. Voluntary and community sector leaders are navigating rising demand, increasing complexity and persistent financial uncertainty. HEY Confident Futures meets that pressure head-on, offering not just training, but a connected, generous network rooted in trust, shared learning and collective strength.
One leader closely involved in this work is Cecil Jones, Project Co-ordinator at Open Doors Project. He said: “HEY Confident Futures was a breakthrough for me. It helped me step forward with confidence and understand the kind of leader I want to be. The New to Leadership programme came at the right time and gave me the tools to grow and believe in what I can achieve. As a member of the Leadership Advocacy Network, I work alongside other Global Majority leaders to challenge barriers, strengthen our voice and support our communities. The programme has helped me step into leadership with purpose and clarity, and I am committed to using what I have learned to support others on their journey.”
Celia McKeon, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, said: “This continued funding for HEY Confident Futures is hugely significant for our sector. It is a powerful recognition of the critical role leadership plays in sustaining and strengthening our sector during times of unprecedented change. With more than 550 leaders now part of the network, the programme continues to offer the support, learning and connection that help organisations thrive.
“In a landscape where resources are under constant pressure and demand for services continues to rise, strong and well supported leadership has never mattered more. They need spaces where they can have honest, reflective and mutually supportive conversations about these challenges. We remain committed to building a network rooted in deep connection and trust, where leaders feel safe to explore the realities of their roles and ask for support. This community of leaders stands strong for the voluntary and community sector in our region.”
This ongoing commitment will take the network into a decade of building strong leaders for our communities.
Membership of HEY Confident Futures is free for anyone working or volunteering in a charity or community organisation in Hull and East Yorkshire. People should join by visiting https://confidentfutures.co.uk