- Government rolls out first £3 million of the Million Hours Fund to help youth organisations offer additional opportunities through the summer holidays
- Initial funding will provide more chances for young people to play sport, take part in arts and develop life skills this summer
- First round of the fund follows launch of the PM's Anti Social Behaviour Action Plan earlier this year to build stronger communities
To mark the start of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, the first round of funding from Government and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, will make grants available for youth organisations to provide more out-of-school activities and support more young people in areas of high need this summer.
The Million Hours Fund, announced in March as part of the Prime Minister's Anti Social Behaviour Action Plan, will support an additional one million hours of positive activities from youth services.
By giving young people somewhere safe to go, something engaging to do, and someone trusted to talk to, they can be helped away from bad life choices and get access to greater support, which is why the Government is investing in more of these opportunities.
Additional youth workers, volunteers, venue hire and activity resources will be made available through the first tranche of funding, now open for applications. The £3 million investment will also fund youth workers' engagement with young people in the areas they already spend time in, such as parks and leisure facilities, so those particularly at risk of falling onto the wrong path are reached.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
Every young person, no matter where they're from, deserves the best start in life and opportunities to fulfil their potential. Youth clubs play a central role here - not only offering sports, games and skills development, but also helping support those in need and providing vital role models.
Today we are opening applications for the first £3 million of the Million Hours Fund so youth organisations can deliver extra provision over the summer holidays - meaning more young people can enjoy and take part in positive and fun activities while school is out.
Prospective applicants are invited to apply for part of the initial £3 million funding from today. This will allow youth organisations to offer additional opportunities through the school summer holidays, giving young people aged 11 to 18, and those aged up to 25 with disabilities and special educational needs, greater access to positive activities such as educational trips and days out. The remaining £8 million from the Million Hours Fund will open for applications from the autumn, with
