Children’s groups given £5m fund lift

THOUSANDS more young people will be able to join uniformed youth groups thanks to a new £5million fund to increase places for disadvantaged children, the Government has announced.

Tracey Crouch, the sports minister, estimated 5,500 spaces would be created in groups such as the Scouts, Guides, police cadets and faith-based organisations to help cut waiting lists.

The Uniformed Youth Fund will help organisations open new groups in deprived areas in England so children can benefit from weekly activities, camps or volunteering programmes.

Ms Crouch said: “Organisations like the Guides and Sea Cadets create lasting friendships and teach important life skills such as teamwork and resilience. This fund strengthens our support for young people by ensuring that even more children have access to these groups.”

The fund, which will be distributed by Youth United Foundation, a member organisation for uniformed youth groups, will also provide more opportunities for adults to get involved.

Samantha Hyde, foundation director, said: “We are delighted to be able to expand our important work with young people living in the some of the most deprived regions in the country.”