BHCC’s original intention was to distribute half the funding now, and to invite bids for the rest later in the year. However, due to the high level of quality applications, BHCC has decided to allocate all the funding in this round of bidding meaning there will now not be a second round of funding in the autumn.
This is also in recognition of the impact of Covid-19 and the need to direct funds as quickly as possible to youth services in the city.
The bids were evaluated by a panel of young people representing a range of youth projects in the city. The young people chose to back projects focused on supporting young people with special educational needs, and those from the BAME and LGBTQ+ communities.
Panel member Sophie said: ‘It was wonderful to see how many different projects were happening locally, with many offering support to those most in financial, emotional, or educational need.’
Many of the projects reach out to disadvantaged young people, concentrating on improving mental health. This includes helping young people recover from the impact of Covid-19.
Cllr John Allcock, chair of BHCC’s Children, Young People and Skills Committee, said: ‘We were delighted to get so many high-quality bids from so many excellent projects.
‘Our young people have worked really hard to evaluate all the applications. They spent a lot of time discussing the merits of each one, to enable them to decide who will receive funding.
‘The 32 projects they have selected will be of great benefit to young people in the city.
‘I’d like to thank all the young people who have been involved for all the hard work and expertise they have put in.’
