Young people's projects win £98,000 cash windfall

12.42.09pm GMT Fri 9th Feb 2007

Cash grants totalling £98,570 have been awarded to youth projects nominated by the borough's young people.

A wide range of projects are being funded under the "Pounds 4 Young People" scheme, coordinated by Richmond Council and the Youth Opportunities Fund. For example, funding has been earmarked for a feasibility study into providing an astro-turf pitch at Heatham House to support a newly-formed football club. In other parts of the borough groups of young people are looking to start their own study group and have been awarded funds to appoint a tutor. A programme of leisure activities and days out are being funded for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties. And at Heathfield Community Centre grants have been agreed to refurbish the youth club and provide new equipment.

Other cash awards will set up music and video editing facilities at the Strathmore Centre in Teddington where young people can develop their rapping and other musical talents. Another grant will go to Young Parents Treasurers who plan to set up a Young Parents Centre at Whitton Community Centre. Other grants will enable the Girls Group to put on talent performances including singing, dancing and fashion shows at Castelnau Youth Centre, while money for Tiny Tots Trippers will enable the group to organise fun and educational days for young parents and their children.

A total of £169,643 was made available under the scheme and young people are being urged to bid for the £71,000 left in the kitty. The scheme makes awards to young people aged between 13 and 19 for a range of projects including sporting activities, young parents groups and music and drama workshops. The first round of grants was awarded recently by a panel of young people.

Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, Cllr Malcolm Eady, said:

""In our manifesto, we pledged to make young people one of our main priorities. I am delighted that Hampton Community College and St James have such talented artists whose work has now been added to the Council's extensive local art collection.

This is an excellent scheme which gives young people a real say in how money is spent on youth projects in the borough. Young people nominate schemes and a panel of their peers decide which projects should be supported. Nearly £100,000 has been allocated so far and we are urging young people to bid for the remaining cash."

They can apply for funds by contacting Jebba Mitchell on 020 8288 0950, contacting their local youth club or going online at www.pounds4youngpeople.org.uk