A new three-year funding programme inviting Hackney organisations to bid for money to run Positive Activities for Young People was launched today (Monday, July 14th). Voluntary and community groups in the borough have until October 1st to submit their bids.

The Team Hackney funded programme, worth just over £1.5 million a year for three years (total £4.5 million), has been devised with the help of the views of Hackney young people themselves, and will focus mainly on the 13-19 age-group. In a Council survey earlier this year, young respondents said they wanted more services for young women, and more opportunities to develop their skills and talents.

Councillor Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and Chair of Team Hackney’s Children and Young People’s Partnership said: “We know that, as well as being enjoyable, well-organised and good quality youth activities can help young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to do well in life. For some, it has the added benefit of reducing the risk of their being excluded from school or becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour.”

The funding programme is looking for Hackney-based organisations to offer a range of activities during term-time and holidays, covering arts, sport and outdoor activity; environmental projects or community service; business and youth enterprise; and access to accredited awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. There is also funding for specialist services for young people at risk of offending.

These activities will start in January 2009 and run at least until the end of March 2011. The programme has been designed to complement existing youth development activity in the borough such as the Police and Community Fire cadets, and support for youth forums such as the Youth Parliament and youth ambassadors’ scheme.

For more information about the Positive Activities for Young People programme see
www.teamhackey.org/commissioning
.