Government fund available for young people projects
Warwickshire County Council is looking for young people to come forward and make applications from a fund of nearly half a million pounds to provide activities for young people aged between 13 and 19.
The unique funding stream will see applications made to boards made up of specially trained young people based across all five districts and boroughs who will make the decision on what projects to grant funding to. There will also be a board of young people with a countywide remit so that projects that are not confined to one particular district can receive funding.
Two funding streams were announced in the government’s green paper ‘Youth Matters’ published in July 2005. These are now available for applications in Warwickshire.
The Youth Opportunities Fund, totalling just under £250,000, is available to finance projects for young people at neighbourhood level which might range from booking football pitches to hiring halls and costumes for dramatic performances. The criteria are wide ranging, comprising anything that fosters young people’s social and personal development.
The Youth Capital Fund, totalling a similar amount, is separate in that it will finance renovations or refurbishments to buildings to allow them to accommodate young people and give them a venue. Remodelling is considered the most likely option where facilities are not well used because of environmental factors such as poor lighting or difficult access.
It would also be used to buy equipment such as ICT or materials that can be taken out and about. There will be no requirement for any match funding from the local authority or any other public bodies.
Emma Stanley, a member of the County Youth Forum who will also be sitting on the countywide board, said: “It is great that we, as young people, have been supported to get to the stage where we have the say in what activities are best for the county to support.
“The representatives of the board are from all over Warwickshire so our peers can rest assured that all kinds of activities, in all areas of the county, will be considered.”
Councillor Izzi Seccombe, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are delighted that this fund is available for young people. Our aim is to empower young people and enable them to make a positive contribution to the community.
“The activities will do that; it will provide young people with somewhere to go and something to do. And the fact that young people are deciding what projects to fund shows that they are trusted to take responsibility for the activities of themselves and their peers in their communities.”
Applications should be made by young people aged between 13 and 19. Forms are available from Rob Townsend on 01926 738494.