Dumfries and Galloway Council is delighted to announce that £135,000 of funding will be available for local third sector organisations and childcare providers in the region to give children and young people a summer to remember.
Following on from the successes of the Amazing Summer fund in 2021, they are once again seeking local organisations who will deliver free activities for children and young people aged 5-14 for the duration of the summer holidays, allowing them opportunities to socialise and meet with and make new friends across our region.
There will be a particular focus on providing support and activities for children and young people who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays, encouraging them to play and reconnect with their local communities and environments.
They are looking to see a range of different activities and experiences for young people of all ages from communities across Dumfries and Galloway.
They recognise the ongoing impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our young people in their day-to-day lives, and this exciting programme of summer opportunities will help them to broaden their horizons, and to build confidence whilst having fun with their friends.
The programme of activities is being co-produced with local children and young people to ensure that they get the activities that they enjoy, and young people will also be key part of the decision-making panel.
Organisations from across Dumfries and Galloway can apply for this funding. They are offering funding to provide free activities throughout the whole summer holidays from the period of Saturday 2nd July until Sunday 21st August 2022.
A council spokesperson said: “This funding opportunity for our Third Sector Partners and Childcare providers continues our commitment as a local authority to ensuring all of our children and young people have the best start in life, with opportunity to access play and social activities which are vital to their physical and mental wellbeing.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with all of our third sector partners and local businesses as well as our local children and young people. This funding is available for all third sector groups and childcare providers and we want to support as many groups as possible to help make this a truly amazing summer holiday for our local children and young people.”
Applications are open now and the closing date for submission of organisations completed applications is 12 noon on Monday May 23.
Elli Wadsworth, Chairperson of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council said: “The Youth Council is really pleased to be working alongside the Council to deliver an amazing Summer programme of activities for young people. We are involved in setting the priorities for the funding and ensure that the funding goes to opportunities that will make the most difference to young people the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway, and also those that young people will have a lot of fun attending.”
Applications Forms and Guidance Notes can be downloaded from 9am on Monday 9th May by visiting www.dumgal.gov.uk/grants
If you have any questions on this application process or would like any advice and guidance, please e-mail at AmazingSummer@dumgal.gov.uk or call 01387 260 243.