youth opportunity fund

The Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fund (YOF/YCF) was initially a two year pilot project from 2006-2008. Due to its success across the country the Department for Children, Schools and Families extended the scheme a further three years (2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11). Each year £332,400 is awarded to Brent. Young people aged 14 - 19 (up to 25 with special education needs) living in Brent can apply for projects that will improve the activities and facilities available to young people across the Borough. The main aims of the fund are to: * influence and give a voice to young people, particularly those facing disadvantage, in relation to things to do and places to go, and convey a powerful message to young people that their needs and aspirations are important * change the way local authorities and their partners commission and provide activities and facilities for young people, especially in deprived neighborhoods, and increase the responsiveness of providers to what young people want * improve things to do and places to go in line with what young people want in their neighbourhoods and thereby increase their participation in positive activities * provide opportunities for young people to develop their confidence, knowledge, skills and abilities and gain recognition/accreditation for them * increase the wellbeing of young people by contributing to the achievement of the five Every Child Matters (ECM) outcomes through engagement in activities that have a positive impact on their development * increase young people's engagement with their services more generally and with democratic processes at the local level.

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