Youth groups can bid for share of £80m
YOUTH groups in Halton can bid for their share of £80m worth of funding after Prime Minister Theresa May announced a boost to the sector.
Halton is one of 34 local authority areas which will benefit from £40m of funds through the new Youth Investment Fund (YIF) aimed at disadvantaged areas all over England.
An additional £40m will provide continued support for Step Up To Serve’s #IWill youth social action campaign.
A Cabinet Office spokesman said examples of youth projects in Runcorn and Widnes that could apply for a share of the funding include clubs offering activities from football to basketball, arts and drama courses.
Initiatives could also include enterprise training or volunteering opportunities such as encouraging healthy living in their area or supporting charities and awareness campaigns.
The funding will come from the Government and Big Lottery Fund.
Mrs May said: “This is all part of our determination to build a country that works for everyone and ensure that young people can go as far as their talents allow, regardless of their backgrounds.”
A Cabinet Office spokesman said that YIF funding will be available up to 2020 to help organisations invest and plan.
Young people will be involved in the design and decision-making of the fund, with the first awards expected to be made in spring 2017.
Minister for civil society Rob Wilson said: “I would encourage youth organisations in Halton to apply for their share of this funding so we can give even more young people the opportunities and skills to help them succeed in life.
“I want the funds to attract even more investment from a wide range of sources including local organisations, businesses and philanthropists.”
The Government and Big Lottery Fund will also continue their commitment to Step Up To Serve’s #iwill campaign and will each invest a further £20m each by the end of 2020.