Youth opportunity fund & youth capital fund 2010 - 2011

North Yorkshire County Council has once again been allocated money to be spent on provision for young people (primarily 13-19 years of age, but may extend to 25 if the young person has learning difficulties or a disability).

The aims of the funds are to:

• give voice and influence to young people, particularly those facing disadvantage, in relation to 'things to do' and 'places to go', and convey a powerful message to young people that their needs and aspirations are important;
• change the way local authorities and their partners commission and provide activities and facilities for young people, especially in deprived neighbourhoods, and increase the responsiveness of providers to what young people want;
• improve 'things to do' and 'places to go' in line with what young people want in their neighbourhoods and thereby increase their participation in positive activities;
• provide opportunities for young people to develop their confidence, knowledge, skills and abilities and gain recognition and/or accreditation for them;
• increase the well-being of young people by contributing to the achievement of the five Every Child Matters (ECM) outcomes through engagement in activities that have a positive impact on their development; and
• increase young people's engagement with their services more generally, and with democratic processes at the local level.

Within the guidelines provided, and by working with young people, we have developed a range of mechanisms that include open access opportunities and special initiatives that target disadvantaged groups. Our aim is that by assisting young people to access these funds, they may improve upon and increase the number of quality 'places to go' as well as create more opportunities for 'things to do'.

In North Yorkshire 2010 - 2011 YOF/YCF funding will be allocated through the following:

Keyfund

If you are a young person, then you can be at the forefront of this initiative. Keyfund provides a great opportunity to learn new skills as well as get money to do things that you want to do.

To qualify you must be a group (3 or more), and your idea will need to meet some simple conditions.

For more information about how Keyfund works please check out the Keyfund page or visit keyfundworld.

If you would like to find a Keyfund facilitator in your area please check the 'Keyfund facilitators' download, or contact James Parkes or Dawn Molyneux using the details shown.

Youth councils

There are currently 18 developing youth councils in North Yorkshire. Each one has been given funds to distribute within their area. To find out if you are eligible to apply please contact your nearest youth council, see contacts. To see the guidance issued to youth councils please see the download.

Targeted groups

Conditions attached to the funds make it clear that we must target support to vulnerable groups. Some funding has been allocated through specialist providers to support young people with a disability or learning difficulty; young people who are looked after or leaving care; young parents; and young people within the youth justice system.

Voluntary sector grants through NYY

Please visit the North Yorkshire youth web site at www.nyy.org.uk