Time is running out for young people who wish to apply for funding for a pot of money managed by people of their own age, with the closing date being this Friday 22 July.

The £25,000 BCP Youth Fund is available to local charities, business, statutory services and voluntary organisations to run inspiring projects that can change lives in the area.

Groups can apply to receive funding from for initiatives which will directly impact young people in BCP providing them with exciting opportunities and new experiences.

Cllr Mike White, portfolio holder for Children and Young People, said: “This is a unique fund that benefits young people, is managed by young people and has already proved a success, coming to fruition last year with some fantastic projects being brought to life. The fund has proven that it can really help improve the lives of many young people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. I’m excited to see it back and helping to do this again in 2022.”

Those projects brought to life last year include ‘Lightbulb’ at Victoria Avenue Lawn Tennis Club, which provided subsidised tennis lessons to support underprivileged children and those with disabilities aged three-13.

The fund also supported a vital course for young people in the BCP area which helped them tackle challenges faced because of the Covid-19 pandemic, ran by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue.

The Project Climbing Centre’s mission to train six young people for the Level 1 Parkour UK Coaching qualification, and increase provision for local children and young people wishing to try it out for themselves, was also supported through the BCP Youth Fund.

Applications can be made online by downloading and filling out this year’s application form.

Find out more at: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/bcpyouthfund