Hackney,
28
April
2016
|
10:50
Europe/London

£150,000 up for grabs to fund projects for young people

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Young people from across Hackney are being encouraged to get involved with this year’s Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF). The fund gives people aged 8-19 who live, work or study in Hackney the chance to turn their ideas into reality and run activities for youth across the borough.

£150,000 is up for grabs this year to fund activities aimed at providing opportunities for personal and social development, with grants of up to £3,000 available for each project.

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.

One of the previous projects set up through the YOF was Popin’ Pete’s Pop Shop. A group of young people from the Pembury Estate organised art and dance workshops and received a dance lesson from world famous choreographer and originator of body popping, Popin’ Pete, at the project launch event held in Shoreditch.

Past recipients include the Hackney Quest Tag Rugby Team who funded a tour to Zambia, a radio production programme for 30 young people, cake decorating workshops and a life guard training course. 

Young people can also have their say on how money is spent on activities in Hackney by becoming Youth Opportunity Fund Panel Members. Members can make a positive contribution to the community whilst gaining lots of useful experience and free training. As well as having a say in how money is spent, all Youth Opportunity Fund Panel Members will get a chance to make new friends and learn skills such as project management.

Kennedy Nwosu, 19, Youth Opportunity Fund Panel Member said: “I joined the Hackney Youth Opportunity Fund Panel to provide the change that young people need and to provide opportunities for young people to grow and develop. Hackney YOF enables you to achieve, lead projects and empower others.”

Apply for a grant

To apply for a grant you need to download an download an application pack and email it to yof@hackney.gov.uk. Or you can post it to Seána Murphy, Young Hackney (1CYPS), Third Floor, Hackney Service Centre, London, E8 1DY. The deadline for applications 23 May, 5pm.

Join the panel

To apply to become a Youth Opportunity Fund Panel member email getinvolved@hackney.gov.uk or call Seána Murphy on 020 8356 4109