TAMESIDE has been named as one of the areas where groups hoping to benefit young people can apply for Government grants.
Better Youth Spaces is a £30.5 million programme that aims to bring fast-paced benefits to young people.
And as the borough registers on the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) at the upper tier local authority level, it is one of 42 in the country where not-for-profit youth organisations can apply.
Funding small scale-capital projects of £5,000-£100,000, the fund can be used for capital equipment, small refurbishments and other capital projects to help youth organisations to better support the young people they work with.
Its overall aim is to boost the reach of activities provided, the safety of existing youth facilities, the youth sector’s capacity and quality to deliver a range of enrichment activities and the financial sustainability of youth facilities .
Former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, said: “We have heard loud and clear from young people that they need access to spaces where they can develop their talents, build confidence, and build relationships.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we are investing over £30 million directly into youth facilities across our communities this year.
“This will allow young people to have a supportive environment to help them make their ambitions a reality.
“For too long young people have been an afterthought, but through the National Youth Strategy, we have carried out the biggest listening exercise with young people in a generation, giving them the opportunity to shape the policies that will affect their lives.”
Nick Temple, chief executive of Social Investment Business, which will administer the fund, added: “We are excited to be partnering with DCMS to launch Better Youth Spaces to support youth services in priority areas in England.
“Through a combination of funding refurbishment projects and providing new equipment, it will create opportunities for young people to participate in a whole range of enrichment activities across sports, music and cultural activities.
“The fund will also help to expand access, create safer spaces, and make youth services more sustainable.
“This is a real boost for youth services in some of the communities which need it most, creating lasting impact for young people’s wellbeing.”
Applications for Better Youth Spaces that include refurbishment must be submitted by midnight on Sunday, September 21.
All grants must be spent and evidenced by February 28, 2026 or earlier.