Grant awards huge success for young people
With greater success than ever before, 72 young people celebrated becoming recipients of the Leader and Cabinet Members’ Young Person Grant 2022 at an awards event hosted by Telford & Wrekin Council last night (15.06.22).
The prestigious awards support young people aged 15 to 25 across the borough to apply for up to £500 for support in education, employment and training. The funding may also be used to help individuals overcome challenges in their lives to seek out a different path for their future.
Of 134 applications, 72 young people were successfully selected to receive a variety of items including laptops, bus passes, and railcards, as well as monetary support to invest in the items of their choice.
Romilly Esp was a recipient of the grant funding. Having set up her own photography business, Romilly will use her funding for new camera gear. She shared: "It means a lot to me to get this grant money because it's opening up doors to my future that I wasn't able to access before. I'm now able to buy the equipment I need and expand my business. I'm really grateful to the council for giving me this opportunity!"
Cllr Shaun Davies, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council (Lab), said: “I am proud of each and every young person who attended the event for writing such compelling applications and striving to achieve.
“Since the Leader and Cabinet Members’ Young Person Grant launch in 2017, we have been helping 283 young people to pursue their dream career. Even such a small amount of money can make a huge different to the young person and their local community.
“The cabinet and myself are delighted to be able to help these young residents on their journey.”
Telford & Wrekin’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young people and Families, Cllr Shirley Reynolds (Lab) commented: “This past year we’ve had our most successful grant cycle to date. When we read each young person’s story, it is really difficult to choose as the breadth of applications is absolutely incredible.
“However, we want to make sure the council supports young people as much as we can – from 10 by 10 to the Young Person Grant to free swimming for under 25s – we’ll do all that we can to be on your side.
“Our young people come first; you are cared for, and cared about, and at the heart of everything we do.”
Phil Brown OLY, compered the event and spoke to the young people about how humble beginnings should not stop them from achieving greatness. As a Double Commonwealth Games and Olympic Medallist, Phil worked as a Director for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and now runs the not-for-profit company Champions Realm Limited.
He said: “Each of the young people have showed tenacity, innovation and resilience – a night like tonight is the start of something brilliant.
“Now they have achieved this, their eyes will be opened to what else they can reach for and aspire to be.”
The Leader and Cabinet Members’ Young Person Grant will return again next year. For more information, and to read the success stories of our applicants, visit the Young Person Grant website.
