Dumfries and Galloway Council has announced £80,000 of funding will be available for local third sector organisations in the region to give children and young people a summer to remember.
Following on from the successes of the Amazing Summer fund over the last three years, third sector organisations are again being invted to deliver free activities for vulnerable children and young people aged 5–16 for the duration of the Summer Holidays, allowing them opportunities to socialise and meet with and make new friends.
This funding is to provide children and young people, aged 5–16 activities over the summer holiday period. The programmes should enhance equity by widening opportunities for children from low-income families to play, socialise, get active and access a range of activities that broaden their experiences, supplement their learning and deliver positive outcomes.
Activities and programmes will integrate food provision wherever possible and be focussed on children and young people within our priority groups. They are looking to see a range of different activities and experiences for young people of all ages from communities across Dumfries and Galloway.
Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said: “By providing young people across our region with the opportunity to take part in a programme of exciting summer opportunities, it will encourage them to broaden their horizons, and build their confidence whilst having fun with their friends. The activities delivered by third sector organisations will be co-produced with local children and young people to ensure that they get the activities that they enjoy, and they will also be key part of the decision-making panel through members of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council.”
Third sector organisations from across Dumfries and Galloway can apply for this funding for amounts of £500 up to £5000.
Vice-Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, Councillor Jackie McCamon, said of the fund: “This funding opportunity for our third sector partners continues our commitment as a local authority to ensuring that we create lifelong learning opportunities that allow children and young people to develop their skills and contribute to their communities. This funding is available for all third sector groups, and we want to support as many groups as possible to help make this an amazing summer for children and young people across Dumfries and Galloway.”
Applications are open now and the closing date for submission of organisations completed applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 8 May.
Ailsa McDairmant, 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 across our region. It is an exciting opportunity for members of the Youth Council to collaborate with our partners for the benefit of children and young people. It is important to us to ensure that the funding goes towards opportunities that will make the most difference to young people across the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway.”
Applications forms and guidance notes can be downloaded from 9am on Wednesday 10 April by visiting www.dumgal.gov.uk/grants
If you have any questions on the application process or would like any advice and guidance, please call 01387 260243 or e-mail AmazingSummer@dumgal.gov.uk