Cash boost for young people's groups

11:41am Wednesday 20th August 2008

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A TOTAL of £25,340 has been awarded by a Worcestershire County Council grant-giving scheme to 14 young people's projects in Wyre Forest.

It's the third year the council's FLOSS - Funding Lots of Super Stuff - grants have been available and almost £800,000 has now been handed out across the county since the scheme started.

The aim of FLOSS is to give 13 to 19-year-olds the chance to provide their local area with activities and projects their peers will benefit from through applying for grants of up to £2,500.

Wyre Forest groups and projects benefiting this year include Samurai Judo Club with a £1,000 grant towards a Samurai trip to Alicante, Wyre Forest Swimming Club with a £2,380 boost and Wyre Forest Advocacy with a £2,425 grant for their Getting Out and Being Happy project.

Earlier this year, 80 young people from around Worcestershire, aged between 11 and 21, got together over a three-week period to interview and shortlist projects.

Their reports and recommendations were then passed on to the FLOSS managers group - which is representative of young people across the county and made the final decisions.

A record of 236 applications were received overall and about 60 per cent of the projects to receive funds were in the voluntary sector.

Conservative councillor Liz Eyre, the council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "FLOSS is a fantastic scheme that helps young people get involved and play a part in making things better for their peers in their own communities.

"Enhancing services to young people is a council priority and this scheme shows how committed we are at doing just that.

“The standard of the applications this year was very high and we are delighted with the success of this project.

“It was really pleasing to see how thorough and challenging the young people were. They do appreciate that value for money is an important criteria.

“I would like to thank everyone who has played their part including the supporting youth workers."

Young people interested in getting involved in next year's decision making process or those wanting to find out more about the scheme should call either Gemma Benton or Rachel Adams on 01905 827734, or email Floss@worcestershire.gov.uk