Funding on offer for youth projects in Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove City Council announced the funding this week for projects which help young people aged 11 to 19, or up to 25 with special education needs.

Young people were asked what they thought the main areas for improvement were and they said: additional youth support to improve mental health and reduce alcohol and substance misuse; additional activities for young people; and volunteering and work experience opportunities.

Young people will also lead on deciding how the funding is allocated.

Josh Cliff from the Youth Council and one of the young people leading on the programme said: “This presents a genuine opportunity to improve youth services in the city.”

The deadline for applications is September 12 and projects can start from October 1. Applications need to include a clear plan for how the money will be used and who it will benefit.

Successful projects will work in partnership with one of the lead youth providers in the city.

Cllr Daniel Chapman, chair of the children, young people and skills committee, said: “The really great thing about this funding is that its allocation is being led by young people.

“They know the type of projects and activities that young people will respond best to, so it’s right that they are included in the decision process.

“They make all the recommendations, and our job as councillors is to make sure the distribution of funding considers all areas of the city and all groups of young people facing challenges in their lives.”

If you’d like to find out more, or apply for some of the funding, visit: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/youth-led-grants