Local youth groups invited to bid for share of £20,000

Published 9 Nov 2012 09:00

IT has helped to fund sports clubs, youth groups and skate parks across the Borders. And now money has become available to fund more new projects.

Grant-giving project Youth Chex has announced the £20,000 is aimed at supporting the project ideas of young people aged 12-25 who live in the region. The closing date for applications is January 25, 2013.

The main change to this year's funding is that applications have to be submitted under just one of three priority criteria: these are Included and Involved, Wellbeing, and Achievement.

Evidence will also be considered on how the project's application for funding ensures that young people become confident individuals, responsible citizens, successful learners and effective contributors, supporting the Curriculum for Excellence.

A new panel of young people from across the Borders will decide which youth-led projects should benefit from the Youth Chex fund. The main condition of funding is that it has to be a new project idea and should be led by young people.

The applications must also be completed by young people (aged 12-20) who are assisted by an adult supporter.

This is the first and only round of Youth Chex funding in 2012/13 due to a redesign of Scottish Borders Youth Voice. A group of 12 young people have recently volunteered to form the Youth Chex panel and are currently undergoing training and development to enable them to make decisions in the new year.

In the last financial year Youth Chex funded 35 different youth organisations and groups. Groups which can apply for funding include youth clubs, sports groups, uniformed organisations, creative activity groups, schools and village halls. Successful applications in the past have included discos, tuck shops, recycling projects, bands, dance groups and roller parks.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Culture, Sport and Community Learning at Scottish Borders Council, said: "A wide range of projects have benefited from Youth Chex in the past - including sports clubs, youth groups and youth cafes - and I would once again encourage young people to consider applying for funding. This truly positive scheme gives young people the chance to make a difference in their local community and take ownership of the decision making process."

For more information contact Susan Robb, Participation Officer at Scottish Borders Council, on 01835 826815. Application forms are available by emailing youth@scotborders.gov.uk

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 09 Nov 12

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