YOUNG people across the North East will get the opportunity to bid for projects and activities after Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner launched the second phase of the Local Youth Fund.

Earlier this year, young people submitted their proposals to the office of Kim McGuinness during the first round of the project, which led to 15 successful applications for young people to make a difference in their area.

Now, six months on, another £10,000 is available. With £500 per project up for grabs, young people, with the support of a registered youth or community organisation, can bid for what matters to them in their local area, when the fund opens on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

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As part of the scheme, the Violence Reduction Unit are working with North East Youth Alliance, to ensure young people across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear are aware of the difference they could be making to their community.

Through providing young people with the opportunity to develop their own project, it has “fantastic benefits in building confidence, experience and skills for use in daily life,” according the Police and Crime Commissioner.

This fund continues to be shaped by young people with the support of a youth panel who will review applications and provide their recommendations for funding.

The Northern Echo: Kim McGuinness, police and crime commissioner of Northumbria.Kim McGuinness, police and crime commissioner of Northumbria.

Ms McGuinness said: “I asked young people to tell me what matters to them in their local communities and through my Violence Reduction Unit, we've funded 15 projects across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear to do just that.

“And now, I want to hear from young people again - what projects, activities, support do you want to see? There is up to £500 available per project, and I want young people to tell me how best we spend this. So, if you, or someone you know has a great idea, then please do apply.”

She added: “It is vitally important that we engage our regions young people now to ensure they have the right support and opportunities to make positive decisions for the future.”

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