Purpose
The Education Culture and Sport Service has allocated approximately £5000 to each Council Ward to provide grants for local youth work activities. The purpose of the grants is to support the Council’s youth work policy in Highland.
Youth work should build self esteem, and self confidence; develop the ability to manage personal and social relationships; create learning and develop new skills; encourage positive group atmospheres; build the capacity of young people to consider risk, make reasoned decisions and take control and develop a world view which widens horizons and invites social commitment.
Activities must fit with at least one element of the Highland Council youth work strategy which seeks to:
- Engage with young people and give them a voice
- Encourage and support partnership and maximise provision for young people
- Target young people in need
- Support the use of Achievement programmes with young people. For example, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Youth Achievement Award, Dynamic Youth awards.
Target Age Groups
Grants are only available for projects which target young people in the 11–25 age range. Grants are not available for individuals.
Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults
All applicants for youth work grants must have policies in place which protect children and vulnerable adults. Further information and guidance can be found in the downloads section here.
Process
- All applicants must complete the Youth Work application form.
- The application will then be sent to the relevant Ward Manager who will discuss it with a with a member of the local Youth Work Team
- In support of the Council’s target to “give young people a voice” Ward staff are encouraged to work with youth work staff to ensure that local young people on the Youth Forum or Highland Youth Voice contribute to the decision-making process.
- The final decisions, which will be made by the Highland Councillors in the Ward, will take account of the views of young people and local staff.
- Applications can be made at any time
Level of Grants
As the funds are fairly limited, it is very unlikely that any applicant will receive a grant of more than £1000. Any grant exceeding this level must be discussed with the Area Youth Work Manager.