Youth services awarded funding for summer holiday activities

More than 400 youth services across England have been awarded funding from the Million Hours Fund to improve access to opportunities like cooking lessons, day trips and sporting activities during the summer holidays.

Thanks to the funding, 427 youth services have been able to stay open longer over the summer holidays.

AutismAble CIC in South Tyneside has received £10,000 to put on activities aimed at encouraging positive choices and Central Swindon North Parish Council is using £6,500 to deliver sport, dance and forestry sessions.

Phil Chamberlain, England director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “The Million Hours Fund was set up to provide much needed additional youth services and activities, and it’s fantastic to see the positive impact this funding is already having on the lives of young people in England.

“Improving the lives of children and young people is a key strategic area for us, and we’d like to thank National Lottery players for helping to make this possible.”

The Didcot TRAIN Youth Project is using funding of over £6,600 to run a six-week summer sports programme for 11 to 18-year-olds, including gym and sports sessions. The programme aims to reduce the chances of young people becoming involved in antisocial behaviour and substance abuse during the summer holidays.

Alex McSweeny, youth work delivery manager at Didcot TRAIN, said: “Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund and DCMS, this funding has allowed us to support vulnerable 11-18-year-olds in the Didcot South area through a programme of weekly sports sessions. Many of our participants have low self-esteem and low aspirations, and our activities help young people to realise their potential and engage in positive activities throughout the school summer holidays.”