Youth and voluntary groups still have time to apply for funding from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Youth Enablement Fund.
The fund of £120,000 was set up last year and already 24 different youth projects have benefited – but there is still some money available and groups have until February 1 to apply. Due to its success Councillors are exploring ways of finding further funding during 2012.
The aim is to support activities and opportunities for young people between 11 and 25, focusing particularly on 13-19-year-olds, through the provision of grants of up to £5,000.
The grants can help launch aspiring projects and youth groups, as well as supporting new ideas from existing organisations. Some of the projects that have already benefited from funding are:
Bath City Farm was awarded funding for a Green Life Skills project, offering outdoor work placements to 13-19 year olds, including those not in employment, education or training.
Bath Youth for Christ group received funding to develop a youth café in Twerton, hoping to replicate the success of their city centre model in Hay Hill Baptist Church in Bath.
In Midsomer Norton, community radio station, Somer Valley FM, was awarded funding to develop a youth-led radio show, Teen Spirit, examining the history of youth culture, in conjunction with themed youth-led community events.
Keynsham & District Mencap Society was given funding for a new youth club programme which will involve young people trying a variety of new activities including horse-riding, drumming and pottery.
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “Improving the life chances of young people is a priority for Bath & North East Somerset Council, and this fund is just one of many ways we’re achieving this aim – in addition to the services we provide through our youth hubs and outreach work. We’re pleased to support a range of worthwhile community initiatives across Bath and North East Somerset and we encourage other youth projects and groups to apply for funding before the February 1 deadline.”
Applications are considered by a funding panel, which includes young people and voluntary sector representatives. The panel will meet for the final time in February, and applications are particularly welcomed from groups who want to provide positive activities and opportunities for young people in rural areas. The final deadline for applications and supporting documents is February 1 at 5pm.
Full details, criteria, and conditions for the funding, are outlined in the Youth Enablement Fund Application Pack available by emailing [email protected] or calling 01225 396916.