London,
10
October
2010
|
23:00
Europe/London

Young people invited to apply for youth project grants

Could you use £5,000 to help make your dream a reality?

Over the last year, Hackney’s Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) panel has been awarding grants of up to £5,000 for a large number of projects dreamt up and delivered by young people in the borough.

The YOF supports activities for young people aged 13-19 living in Hackney (and up to the age of 25 for those who are disabled or have a learning difficulty). The next round of funding is now available, and people have until 5pm on Friday 5 November 2010 to apply for a grant of up to £5,000 for projects that provide opportunities for young people to develop both personally and socially.

All YOF panel members are aged between 13 and 19 years old, and it is their job to read through applications and make a decision about the projects that will receive funding.

Projects that have received funding include sport, dance, music, drama, arts and outdoor adventure activities; as well as those focusing on issues such as relationships, health, crime, the environment, history, culture and identity.

This year, the panel has already awarded grants to a number of projects including a Hackney football side so they could take part in the Keele International Cup; a 120-strong group who produced a mural at the Hackney One Carnival; Hackney’s first youth conference; and a group going to South Africa to undertake voluntary work.

Whatever the activity, the important thing is that the proposed project provides opportunities for young people’s personal and social development.

Panel members, who have gained much experience from the decision making process, encourage other young people to think about applying for a YOF grant for their projects. “It’s youth empowerment in action. It gives young people the chance to be leaders, gives them confidence, allows them to aspire, and it’s a good way for them to engage in the community,” said Precious, 14.

Projects should be led by young people but must be supported by a well placed adult. The next application round closes on Friday 5 November 2010 at 5pm. To apply, visit: http://young.hackney.org/getinvolved/in-the-community/youth-opportunity-fund-yof.php

For more information contact Linton Harper on 020 8356 2865 / 07896 168661 or email: linton.harper@hackney.gov.uk