CiN money helps fund Pocklington youth charity

Molly and Sinead enjoy the cooking sessions at Young People Count

In East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, 32 projects are currently being funded by BBC Children in Need, to the value of £1,886,457, which helps to support 11,147 children and young people. BBC reporter Crispin Rolfe has been to meet the people involved with one of them.

Young People Count (YPC), based in Pocklington town centre, runs weekly sessions for young people aged 11 to 18 which allows them "to belong, be themselves, and feel heard".

The charity offers a safe, welcoming space where teenagers can relax, learn new skills, and build confidence.

On the evening we visit YPC, it feels like a hive of activity for a host of young people.

Volunteer Sydney Newman says the charity provides a "safe space with something for everyone"

The kitchen is alive with a series of cooking classes while, in another room, a drama group rehearses in front of a pool table and a chillout space.

Volunteer Sydney Newman from Pocklington knows the club well. Now 21, she used to be one of the teenagers hanging out there.

"It's a chill space with no pressure," she says. "You can try new things, learn about sustainability or personal finance - or just do nothing."

"It's warm, safe, and a lot better than some of the other options for teenagers."

Project manager Katherine Barker says they were "buzzing" when they received the funding

Children in Need funding, awarded in 2025, helps YPC cover staffing costs, resources for activities, volunteer expenses such as DBS checks, and counselling sessions where needed.

Project manager Katherine Barker, 33, said the grant was "incredible".

"Without it, we wouldn't be able to run a specific project aimed at young people who are struggling to engage with school or attend school," she said.

Ms Barker said the money allowed YPC to employ a contextual therapeutic practitioner to work with young people to help them overcome anxiety and give them techniques to go back into school or be more confident in their classes.

"The staff member means that we can deliver a project that provides people with skills that are linked to school - through mathematics, through cooking, through mocktail making," Ms Barker said.

"It's looking at the skills we can bring, but in a fun way, to bridge that gap."

Faye and Ayesha produce their own YPC podcast

For Ayesha and Faye, both aged 13, YPC is a place to unwind and express themselves, including through a weekly podcast.

"After school, just dump your bags and have fun," Ayesha said.

"One of the great things about YPC is we're able to do podcasts, Faye added.

"We talk about what's going on here and then pick topics we like. Last week it was sleepover ideas and Taylor Swift's new album."

Ayesha added: "We've been doing it for about six months now. It's about things we enjoy."

This year's BBC Children in Need appeal show will be on BBC One on the evening of Friday 14 November and will be presented by Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay.