Funds to aid youth groups

Youth groups in Frome are able to bid for up to £10,000 from Somerset County Council to help them maintain and improve their service.

The Youth and Community Group Grant (YCGG) scheme was launched in August 2011, and these next grants, totalling £83,000, will be awarded again in February.

The council has now changed the criteria so that the maximum amount which can be given has doubled to £10,000.

Groups with projects already funded by this scheme are also able to apply for a further grant, something that was not permitted before. However, priority will be given to new projects and groups which haven't previously benefited.

Cabinet member for Children and Families, Councillor Frances Nicholson, said: "I am delighted that the next round of the Youth and Community Group Grant scheme is now open for applications.

"I welcome the increased flexibility in the criteria, and the fact that groups can now apply more than once. Locally led youth work is invaluable right across the county and I am sure many worthwhile applications to the scheme will be submitted before the January 25 deadline."

The fund has given grants totalling £117,000 since August 2011 to groups and projects across the county for youth worker wages, new equipment and property costs.

Another change to the grant criteria means that groups and projects will be able to use up to half of their grant for investment in rooms and equipment rather than week-to-week costs. The previous maximum was 30 per cent.

The applications will again be judged by the county's UK Youth Parliament Advisory Group, consisting of the four Somerset members of the Youth Parliament, and four other young people.

The deadline for applications is January 25. For more information, or an application form, call senior youth and community worker Kirstie Brown on 01823 349853 or email kbrown@somerset.gov.uk.