Young People’s Grant Scheme calling for applicants
Telford & Wrekin Council’s, Leader and Young People’s Grant Scheme has been launched and is calling out for the next round of applicants.
More than 30 of Telford's most talented young people attended the most recent awards ceremony where cabinet members awarded candidates with certificates and awards of up to £1,000 per young person.
It aims to support them in pursuing their goals and aspirations and fulfilling their potential. This year 55 people applied and of those, 43 were successful, just like martial artist Juan Miguelembuido featured here who specialises in the Muay Thai discipline.
Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Shaun Davies said: “We as a cabinet are dedicated to supporting success in the borough and young people are one of our priority groups.
“We thought a positive way to achieve this was by myself and other cabinet members giving up a percentage of an allowance and putting the funds in a central pot for people to apply to.
“Each year it gives us £12,000 which is then allocated to young people striving to achieve, supporting them with anything from specialist equipment such as microscopes, computers, dance equipment, additional training, coaching or even travel costs for competitions. This fund has created a bursary fund of £36,000 including the anticipated next round to be allocated in 2018 and helped almost 80 candidates.”
“We have been blown away by not only the talent but also the dedication and hard work these youngsters put into their passions and we wish them every success for the future.
"We encourage as many people as possible to apply, each case is judged on an individual basis.
“It's not all about representing England and competing at the highest levels, but also about what young people are achieving at a personal level and how they are tackling some tough situations."
This year’s applicants ranged in skills from wheelchair footballers, BMX riders, dancers and netballers to budding scientists and chefs.
The award is open to children and young people living in the borough of Telford & Wrekin up to the age of 25 years old who are in one of the following categories:
- Education, Training and/or Employment
- Performing Arts and Culture
- Sport Programmes
They must be recognised as gifted, talented, exceptional or excellent by their teacher, professional worker or mentor.
The panel is particularly interested in children and young people who have overcome challenging circumstances to enable them to achieve their goal.
The application process is simple to complete and requires a 500 word supporting statement from a coach or mentor.
Visit www.telford.gov.uk/youthfunding for full detials - closing date for applications 5pm, 30 November 2018.
Pictured: Leader & Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services & Pride Programme Councillor Shaun Davies with Thomas Bullock who received a grant in the sport category.
