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Young people
Making waves in Medway
Teenagers in Kent wanted to make sure that their Youth Fund award would help those who don't normally use youth centres or clubs, so they publicised the scheme on buses, local radio and the backs of cinema tickets.
How the projects were chosen
Young people were asked to send in short descriptions of any ideas they had to Kent County Council. A youth panel made up of young people from different backgrounds looked through the ideas. Those involved with the proposals they liked were then asked to come for an interview and make a more detailed application.
Anyone at this stage of the application could ask for help for things like working out how much the project was likely to cost and where it was going to be based.
Dance group
Two girls in Gillingham who were trained in music and dance wanted to give free dance classes for other young people in the area. An award of £3,000 paid for the rental costs of a local hall to hold classes and paid for the final part of a teaching qualification for one of the dance trainers.
Help for teenage mums
A group of about 12 young mothers aged from 14 to 16 asked for help to pay for childcare so they could continue their education at night classes. Money from the fund also paid for tutors to help them learn about health issues.
A safe place to chat
Someone in Chatham wanted a safe place for gay, lesbian and bisexual young people to get together. He sent in a short description of his idea and then got two friends involved in making the application. Money was awarded to rent premises for the group to use and provide other materials.
School mediators
A teenage boy who had been in care was finding it difficult to share how he was feeling. He wanted someone in school he could talk to when he was feeling down.
He sent in his idea to the Youth Panel who liked it. A more detailed application was then made on his behalf to pay for the costs of providing emotional support counsellors for young people in six local schools.
Inspired by these projects?
If these stories have given you an idea, get in touch with your local authority to find out you can use Youth Fund money to bring it to life.
Additional links
Apply for funding
If you want to apply for Youth Funds money, you will need to contact your local authority
