Youth Investment Fund Phase 2 now available for bids

Torridge District Council's Community Safety Partnership is encouraging eligible youth organisations to bid for funding from the governments Youth Investment Fund (YIF), which has been set up to create, expand, and improve local youth facilities and services. The aim is to drive positive outcomes for young people, including improved mental and physical wellbeing, and skills for life and work.

The Government has already given a tranche of money in the first wave of the fund in a scheme that was facilitated by Children in Need. In the second phase, the Government has identified specific areas in Torridge's district area that have the greatest need with the least provision for 11 to 18 year olds, these being Bideford East, Bideford West and Holsworthy. The second phase aims to level up youth provision, assessing and distributing grants so that local youth facilities and services are the best they can be, particularly in the highlighted areas where there is a deficiency.

Torridge council has already contacted several organisations it has identified as being potentially eligible to apply, but is also appealing for others who may not be aware of the scheme to come forward. Grants in the first phase were used to fund a wide variety of initiatives, including therapy rooms, sports gear, new toilets, a youth club, sensory rooms and the completion of a bike track.

Torridge District Councillor Phillip Hackett - Lead member for the Environment, Health, Wellbeing and Community Safety said:

"This is a great opportunity to tap into further government funding to improve facilities and services for 11 to 18 year olds in our area. The last round of funding delivered some really great projects and once again we want to hear from organisations that can help deliver the next round of improvements. Our officers are ready to help and guide applicants through the process and we hope this will encourage more organisations to come forward, to find out more, and apply."

The funding is for both revenue and capital and applications and can be made on the governments website Launch of the Youth Investment Fund Phase 2 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and the link has been shared on Torridge Councils news, and grants and funding web pages.

Although the council is unable to write any bids on behalf of organisations, Torridge's Community Safety & Public Health Lead Officer, Dean Smith, is available to answer queries or provide guidance to organisations interested in finding out more or applying. He can be contacted by calling 01237 428810.

14 October 2022