Activities and clubs for youngsters have been boosted with thousands of pounds funding thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s £250,000 Youth Action Grant scheme.
A cash pot was set up in August to give charities, community and voluntary groups, social enterprises and not-for-profit groups the chance to bid for money.
The scheme offers up to £1,000 for projects for young people aged 13 to 19 years, or up to 24 years if they have learning disabilities.
So far 27 groups have successfully bid for £22,830 cash to support new projects or extend existing ones.
The grant scheme was introduced as part of changes made to youth services, to improve them and make it easier for all young people to access activities – particularly in the evenings, weekends and school holidays.
Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People, said: “Our Youth Action Grants are helping support local groups and schemes so they can make a real difference to the lives of young people across Derbyshire.
“We launched the grants to help the main providers of activities – the voluntary sector – make their ideas a reality in their area.”
A report which went to Cabinet earlier this week reveals the number of summer activities that were made available to young people following changes to the youth service.
In March 2011 youth workers provided 493 sessions, compared to 856 this year – an increase of 73.6 per cent.
And the number of young people taking part rose from 2159 in 2011 to 2944 – an increase of 36 per cent.
Councillor Lewis added: “We listen to young people and are making sure there are more opportunities and activities available.
“We’re also providing them at the times they’re wanted, in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays.
“We’re going to carry on improving our services and funding groups across the county to make sure youngsters get the best chances in life.”
Applications for the next round of Youth Action Grants must be submitted by 31 December 2012.
Visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/yag or Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 or 01629 533190 for more information.
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