Information on Loughborough

Youth projects get cash injection

Posted on 01/02/2012
newsdesk

Youth projects get £50,000 cash injection

A SERIES of projects funded by a special Charnwood Borough Council scheme is helping to smash anti-social behaviour in the borough.

The Council-run Positive Activities for Young People scheme offers around £50,000 worth of grants to help projects which work with young people aged 10-19 (or up to 25 for those with a learning difficulty).

In the last two years, it has funded projects in Shepshed and Birstall which have helped reduce reports of anti-social behaviour to the police.

Now, the Council is inviting applications from youth projects to grab a slice of the £50,000 cash pot for 2012/13 to help make an even bigger difference to the quality and range of activities available for young people.

Councillor David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “I’m delighted that, even in these tough economic times, the Council is able to provide the cash to help create fun and interesting things for young people to do in our borough which can help reduce anti-social behaviour in their communities.

“The added bonus of this scheme is that we can work even more closely with younger people and better tailor our services to their needs. It’s a magnificent opportunity for your group to get funding so don’t miss out.”

Last year, the PAYP scheme helped fund 20 local projects.

Two schemes, in Shepshed and Birstall, helped reduce the number of anti-social behaviour complaints received by the police.

In Shepshed, PAYP-funded activities included sporting events at Glenmore Park and graffiti workshops provided by Shepshed’s Passion Youth Club.

And in Birstall, the village’s Youth Café now attracts around 35 teenagers every Friday night which, in partnership with the local police, has helped reduce anti-social behaviour in the area over the past two years.

Youth workers have built links with parents to tackle behaviour, ensuring poor conduct is challenged both at home and in the community.

Charnwood TwentyTwenty also received a PAYP grant towards its Love4Life programme which provided activities and support for girls to help them develop confidence and build relationships, health and wellbeing.

Charnwood Borough Council has led the development of innovative ways of allocating the PAYP funding, a pot devolved from Leicestershire County Council.

This includes Charnwood youth councillors and senior managers from local services having an equal say in the assessment of bids, while trained Young Inspectors provide snapshot feedback by ‘mystery shopping’ sessions funded by PAYP cash.

The Positive Activities for Young People grant application process is now open and applications must be received by 1pm on February 6, 2012.

Application forms and guidance notes can be downloaded from http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/positive_activities_for_young_people

For more information, contact Liz Ryley, Charnwood Borough Council’s PAYP administrator, on 01509 632591 or email liz.ryley@charnwood.gov.uk.