Published on Friday 12 November 2021
Children and young people aged up to 18 (aged up to 25 for those with SEND or care leavers) living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to benefit from five new projects which are being funded by the BCP Youth Fund.
The BCP Youth Fund, which is overseen by an application panel of young local residents, opened up applications for funding of up to £10,000 for initiatives to make a positive difference and provide new experiences to the lives of children and young people.
The aim of the funding initiative is to help the youth-led BCP Youth Forum achieve their core aim of providing young people the chance to have access to skills, resources and opportunities to give back to society. The funding also contributes to the council’s priority and ambition to create brighter futures for all of our children and young people, providing a caring and nurturing environment where they can grow and flourish.
The following five organisations were successful in their applications:
Victoria Avenue Lawn and Tennis Club
To provide subsidised tennis lessons to support underprivileged children and those with disabilities aged 3-13 to promote confidence and wellbeing.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
To deliver a course for 12 local young people who have been negatively impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the opportunity to gain an AQA Award in Fire Services Training.
The Project Climbing Centre
To provide funds to train six young people for the Level 1 Parkour UK Coaching qualification, which can be used for employment, to increase provision to local children and young people.
Highcliffe School
To support a specific group of 14 studentsto engage in training within the environment and gardening, helping develop career opportunities and wider learning benefits.
Somerford Youth and Community Centre
To support a specific group of children transitioning from year 6 to 7 to be involved in the youth committee and the opportunity to attain a bronze Youth Medal Achievement award.
All five organisations will be invited to showcase the success of their projects at a special event in March 2022.
Councillor Mike White portfolio holder for children and young people said:
"I am really pleased with the response to this new initiative which was launched this year. This is a fund for young people managed by young people to support their priorities. I would like to thank all those who applied for the fund and congratulate the successful bidders. I look forward to seeing the success of these projects which will help improve and change the lives of many young people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole."
Nathan, Member of Youth Parliament said:
"We were delighted with the number of amazing opportunities that were presented to us and found it extremely hard to choose between them. We believe that the extra funding will provide invaluable experiences for local young people in areas such as mental health, environment and youth voice."