Shortlisting begins for young people's grant scheme
Telford & Wrekin Council’s grant scheme has now closed for 2018 with a total of 55 applications from a wide range of disciplines.
These included digital media and graphic illustration, wheelchair football, dance, drama and a whole range of other sports.
Just over 50 per cent of applicants fell into the sporting category, 33 per cent from performing arts with the remainder looking for support with education and training.
Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services & the Pride Programme, Councillor Shaun Davies said: “Although we had slightly fewer applicants than in 2017, the range of disciplines was far greater which we are really pleased about. It means we’ve been able to reach out to a broader range of people - ultimately supporting the different skills and talents in the borough.
“We had a special criteria for 2018, asking for young people who have overcome challenging circumstances to achieve their aspirations or have been identified as gifted and talented to come forward.
"Some of the application stories are very inspiring and it is fascinating to learn about what young people in our borough are achieving. The next stage will involve going through the applications to draw up a short list as more that £41k was requested.”
The scheme is funded by savings from reductions to Cabinet allowances. In 2011, when Labour took over the authority, the council’s Cabinet chose to forgo ten per cent of its special responsibility allowance, helping to create a bursary fund for 2018 of £12,000.
With a total of £41,607 requested this year, a panel will meet for the shortlisting process and the final list of successful applicants due to be announced towards the end of the summer.
Successful applicants will receive invitations to a prestigious presentation evening taking place at Southwater on September 6 2018 where Councillor Shaun Davies hopes to meet and congratulate some of borough’s most ambitious residents and their supporters.
Any applicants who are unsuccessful, or missed the deadline, can find a list of other bursaries available here or apply again in 2019. To keep up to date with information about grants and alternative sources of funding available through the Council, register here.
