Manchester has been allocated over £600,000 for the Youth Opportunity Fund and the Youth Capital Fund - a unique set of funding from the Government that has to be spent by young people, for the benefit of young people.

These funds were announced as part of the proposals in Youth Matters and place real control and influence in the hands of young people.

The funds explained

One of the key challenges from Youth Matters was to improve the provision of positive activities for young people, such as sport, recreational, cultural, educational and volunteering opportunities. There is a need for more 'places to go and things to do' for young people, especially for those who come from more deprived neighbourhoods.

There are different criteria applied to the funds. In short, the Youth Opportunity Fund can be used for activities and projects that improve things to do, places to go or develop confidence, skills and knowledge. The Youth Capital Fund can be used to enhance facilities such as buildings or outdoor spaces as identified by young people.

Who better to decide on what young people want than the young people themselves?

Young people will become the decision makers, grant givers and project leaders, as well as benefiting from improved provision and activities. The Youth Opportunity Fund can be used for activity-based projects, and the Youth Capital Fund is for resources and equipment.

Young people can decide what they want; they can get improved facilities and bring about positive change for other young people in the area. Young people will be heard by the community and recognised for their efforts and working on these projects will help them gain and develop skills, as well as increasing engagement with services and the democratic process.

Please let young people know about this exciting opportunity!

Contact details

For more information about the funds, or to request an application form contact:

Lynne Fullard
Participation Youth Worker
West Gorton Youth Centre
Gorton Lane
Manchester
M12 5JT

Tel: 0161 231 8205
Mobile: 07957 789 594
Email: l.fullard@manchester.gov.uk