 Young people at the heart of shaping projects
Young people across the country stand to benefit from £31million of Government investment in world class youth facilities, announced today by Children's Minister Dawn Primarolo.
Eight projects in some of the most deprived areas of the country have been awarded funding through Round 2 of the flagship myplace programme. This continues the Government's commitment to provide young people with exciting things to do and safe places to go when they're most needed. The successful projects will be led by:
- London Borough of Enfield
- Voluntary Action, Luton
- Square Chapel Trust, Halifax
- Dorset County Council, Weymouth
- Coast and Moors Voluntary Action, Scarborough
- Poplar Housing and Regeneration Community Association, Tower Hamlets
- Hull City Council
- London Borough of Lewisham
The new projects announced today will provide young people in disadvantaged areas with activities as diverse as street dance, cooking, filmmaking and canoeing. The myplace centres will also be providing support services and advice - working closely with local authorities and the wider community - to help support some of the most disengaged young people.
myplace puts young people at the heart of developing youth centres that provide exciting activities, opportunities and support at times they want them - particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. Young people were involved at all stages of the process, from helping to draft proposals to sitting on the committee which awarded funding for the winning projects.
Children's Minister Dawn Primarolo said:
"I'm delighted that young people in eight new areas across the country will benefit from the record levels of investment we are making in providing world class youth facilities.
"Gone are the days when shabby youth clubs with dusty halls were the only option for young people. Through myplace, local communities will benefit from state of the art youth centres that will have a lasting impact on future generations for years to come."
With a total investment of £270 million, myplace underlines the Government's commitment to giving young people the resources and opportunities they need to get the best possible start in life.
Building Britain's Future confirmed the Government's commitment to deliver new or improved facilities in every local area by 2018. We are making good progress to meet this target - 70 projects across the country have now been awarded myplace funding, the first of which opened its doors to young people in October, with the launch of OPEN in Norwich.
In addition, the Government's investment through the Youth Capital Fund Plus has provided around 100 smaller new or refurbished youth facilities in some of the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
Sumaia Mashal, aged 19, Chair of the Youth Empowerment Board for the Tower Hamlets project, said:
"This really is a breakthrough for all residents in the area. No more bored teenagers hanging around corners with nothing to do. Over the past 8 months, young and old residents alike have worked with enthusiasm and passion to establish the idea of a new generation of facilities for young people.
"Ideas from visits to other youth centres and suggestions from local residents were combined to build something that was unique and adaptable to Poplar youth. We look forward to carrying on working closely with architects to produce a 'Young People's London landmark."
Stefan Cadek, Deputy Head of Youth Support Service on behalf of Project Inspiration Edmonton Board in Enfield, said:
"We will have a world class youth facility led and driven by young people who want change. The vision of the young people and partners has created a blueprint for a centre full of opportunities. This will be a lasting legacy that makes a difference to the lives of thousands of young people."
|
