Published on Tuesday 19 July 2022
A fund for young people, managed by young people, remains open for applications until Friday this week.
The BCP Youth Fund boasts a pot of £25,000, which is available to local charities, business, statutory services and voluntary organisations to run inspiring projects that can change lives in the area.
Groups can apply to receive funding from this pot for initiatives which will directly impact young people in BCP, providing them with exciting opportunities and new experiences; giving young people the chance to access skills, resources, and opportunities to give back to the population.
Groups need to apply quickly though, as the closing date for applications is this Friday 22 July.
Councillor Mike White, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People said: "This is a unique fund that benefits young people, is managed by young people and has already proved a success, coming to fruition last year with some fantastic projects being brought to life. The fund has proven that it can really help improve the lives of many young people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. I’m excited to see it back and helping to do this again in 2022."
Those projects brought to life last year include ‘Lightbulb’ at Victoria Avenue Lawn Tennis Club, which provided subsidised tennis lessons to support underprivileged children and those with disabilities aged 3-13, promoting confidence and wellbeing.
The fund also supported a vital course for young people in the BCP area which helped them tackle challenges faced because of the Covid-19 pandemic, ran by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.
The Project Climbing Centre’s mission to train six young people for the Level 1 Parkour UK Coaching qualification, and increase provision for local children and young people wishing to try it out for themselves, was also supported through the BCP Youth Fund.
With the fund’s closing date fast-approaching, Cllr White also added: "I encourage local organisations who work with young people and have a great idea up their sleeves to apply by Friday and really wow us. If you are successful in your application, you will be inspiring so many young people across our area and making a vital difference to their futures."
Applications can be made online by downloading and filling out this year’s application form.
Find out more at: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bcpyouthfund
The BCP Youth Fund contributes to BCP Council’s Big Plan by helping our area remain one of the best places in which children can live, learn and grow up. This means supporting the health, wellbeing and development of children from birth, though their early years, right through their education and into adulthood.
Find out more about Our Big Plan here: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/About-the-council/Our-Big-Plan/Our-Big-Plan.aspx