New fund to empower Greater Manchester’s youngsters

Communities across Greater Manchester are set to benefit from a new £600,000 fund to empower young people and keep them out of trouble.

The Youth Aspiration Fund, announced by Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd today, will support work with vulnerable children and young people at risk of offending or risky behaviour.

Youth groups and organisations are invited to bid for a slice of the money for projects aimed at keeping young people out of the criminal justice system and developing their life skills.

A range of funding is available from small grants up to £5000, to investment in major projects over £100,000.

Tony said: “We want to keep young people out of the criminal justice system and we all have a responsibility to give them the support to make the right choices in life. Young people are all too often written off as the causes of problems in our community when what we should be doing is working with them, giving them a voice, and listening to their views and ideas on how to make our communities better and safer.”

Tony already funds the police cadets scheme which runs across all divisions of GMP. The scheme is based in some of the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester and equips young people with the tools of good citizenship, respect and confidence. It is a successful example of the type of work Tony wants the Youth Aspiration Fund to deliver.

“I’ve met and been involved with many groups and organisations who are doing great work with young people who are at risk of offending - giving them support, guidance and importantly giving them the confidence to take control of their life, turn away from a life of crime and reach their full potential,“ added Tony.

“It’s precisely this work that I want to harness and this funding will provide much needed to support to allow this work to thrive - empowering communities to play a role in giving our young people the best start in life.”

Any organisation interested in applying for a grant can find more information and details of how to put in an expression of interest at www.gmpcc.org.uk/aspiration.

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For more information please contact Claire Smith on 0161 793 3092

Notes for editors:

The four levels of grants and the deadline for applications are:

Level 1: Local Youth Grants - less than £5,000 but mainly limited up to £1,000 – Friday 30 January 2015

Level 2: Above £5,000 and less that £30,000 – Friday 13 February 2015

Level 3: Above £30,000 – Friday 13 February 2015

Level 4: Over £100,000: Friday 27 February 2015