Prime Minister launches new fund for young people

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has launched a new initiative aiming to help young people across England play a more active role in their community.

Funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Communities and Local Government, The Youth of Today programme will look to encourage young people aged 13-19 to make the most of their talent and get their voices heard.

As part of the programme, the Young Foundation will manage a £1 million Youth of Today Leadership Fund to help third sector groups create additional leadership opportunities for young people.

“Scaling Up” grants ranging between £5,000 and £20,000 are on offer to enable organisations to expand existing initiatives, whilst a limited number of “Reaching Out” grants worth between £75,000 & £100,000 will also be up for grabs for established groups with a proven track record.

Announcing the initiative, Mr Brown said:

“The Youth of Today will enable more young people to have their voice heard through a dynamic partnership of leading charities that will help increase the quality of opportunities for young people.

“I want to see many more young people have the opportunity to be seen and heard as leaders in their communities, central to solving community problems and active in engaging their peers in bringing about change.”

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls added:

“Today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders and The Youth of Today is a programme unlike any other where the focus is on young people getting to grips with leadership roles.

“’The Youth of Today programme offer young people the chance to shine and demonstrate their leadership talents.”

For further information about the fund, visit the dedicated The Youth of Today website

Source: The Prime Minister’s Office, 03/07/2009

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