New round of Youth Opportunity Fund opens to give wings to young people’s ideas
Date published: 10 February 2019
Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children's services
Rochdale Council’s Youth Opportunity Fund is available for young people across the borough to apply for money to finance new activities.
The fund is open to young people aged 8-19, for funding of up to £2,000, for projects that will give young people somewhere to go, something to do or someone to talk to.
The fund was established after councillors suggested money from the Manchester Airport dividend should be invested in young people. The airport dividend comes from profits made by the airport and is split between all councils in Greater Manchester as they are part owners of the region’s air transport hub.
Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Kieran Heakin, said: “This fund is a great way for us to help kick start some of the wonderful ideas young people have. I know there is a wealth of creativity out there in our young people, we see it in the work we do with them. I would really encourage them all to apply to us.”
The scheme has been open for two previous rounds in 2018 and successful projects that received funding include additional activities for primary school children in years 5 and 6, a gardening project in Middleton and a family fun day in Wardleworth.
Applications need to demonstrate how their project will provide realistic, well thought out and achievable outcomes, which should help improve and support young people’s mental health, resilience and wellbeing and provide additional activities for young people.
As part of the fund the council will involve young people in the planning, delivery and evaluation process. Applications will be judged by a panel made up of young people from the children’s council, youth council and the youth service who will be supported by the council’s youth workers and finance staff.
Applications to the fund are open till 5pm on Friday 22 March 2019.
For more information on the Youth Opportunity Fund please visit:
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