Voluntary and community groups working with children and young people are being urged to apply for funding through the Universal Youth Work offer.
The funding is available to any community or voluntary group or project who work to provide activities, events or clubs for children and young people in Rotherham. Eligible groups and projects could receive up to £20,000 to continue their activities.
The funding is not limited to specific types of youth groups, and applications are welcome from any groups who work with 10-25 year olds in Rotherham, whether they offer art, sport, craft, music, educational or personal development activities for children and young people in Rotherham.
Rotherham Council has invested £180,000 from its 2022/23 budget to create the Universal Youth Work fund and aims to provide children and young people with more things to do and safe places to go.
Recent investments in children’s and young people’s services by the Council has created thousands of new opportunities for young people, including the Rotherham Healthy Holidays scheme and Children’s Capital of Culture taster events. These investments have also contributed to the Early Help Offer by increasing opportunities for children, young people and families to access support and guidance.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor Victoria Cusworth, said: “Communities and volunteers have done a fantastic job of supporting children and young people throughout the pandemic, and we would like to continue providing the borough young people with safe places and activities which help their confidence and builds their self-esteem.
"I urge all eligible voluntary and community groups to apply for funding through the Universal Youth Work offer as soon as they can.”
Applications for the grant are now open. Community groups can apply and check their eligibility on the Rotherham Council website at www.rotherham.gov.uk/youth-3/apply-youth-work-funding