19/04/2018 - Permalink

Rural community groups encouraged to bid for youth activity funding

Related topics: Children's services / Community

Community groups providing activities for young people in Shropshire’s most rural areas can bid for funding from next Monday (23 April 2018) under Shropshire Council’s Rural Youth Activity Fund.

Through the Fund a total of £33,000 of funding will be available – through two funding rounds – for youth groups and clubs in the eleven eligible rural Local Joint Committee (LJC) areas.

Each LJC area has been allocated £3,000 to put towards activities that will make a difference to the lives of young people.

The funding rounds will be open from 23 April to 20 May 2018,  and from 15 October to 12 November 2018. Applications for the first round of funding can be made from 23 April.

The eligible rural Local Joint Committee areas are:

  • Bridgnorth, Worfield, Alveley and Claverley
  • Wem and Shawbury
  • Craven Arms and Rural
  • Bishop’s Castle, Chirbury, Worthen and Clun
  • Ellesmere
  • Longden, Ford, Rea Valley and Loton, including Pontesbury and Minsterley
  • Tern and Severn Valley
  • St Oswald & Llanymynech
  • Strettondale and Burnell
  • Highley and Brown Clee
  • Cleobury and Rural
  • Much Wenlock and Shipton, and Broseley and Rural

Nick Bardsley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said:

“I’m delighted that the council is able to make this funding available for young people living in our most rural areas. The funding has previously been used for a range of activities – youth clubs, sport and art programmes and health awareness training – all of which has been greatly valued by young people.

 “I would urge all youth groups in the eligible areas to get in touch with us for details of how to apply, so that they too can make a difference in their community.”

Youth clubs and groups interested in applying for funding should first check their eligibility with their local Shropshire Councillor, or the Community Enablement Team (CET).

The CET can be contacted on 01743 253077 or at communityenablement@shropshire.gov.uk, and will also be able to give full details of how to apply to the fund.

Further information

Funding will be available to support activities that will meet the Shropshire children, young people and families’ outcomes of:

  • Ensuring all children and young people are safe and well looked after in a supportive environment.
  • Narrowing the achievement gap in education and work.
  • Ensuring the emotional wellbeing of children and young people by focusing on prevention and early intervention.
  • Keeping more children healthy and reducing health inequalities.