YOF and YCF represent a real commitment from government to empower young people and give them more choice and influence over facilities in their area. Young people will have a central role as decision makers and grant givers, project leaders and participants.
Local Authorities, working through emerging Children's Trust arrangements, will ensure that young people from the most disadvantaged areas participate in and benefit from the funds.
The purpose of both funds is:
" To give young people a voice and influence in relation to 'things to do and places to go'
" To change the way Local Authorities and their partners provide activities and facilities for young people
" To provide opportunities for young people to develop their confidence, knowledge, skills and abilities
" Gain recognition and/ or accreditation for them
" To increase the wellbeing of young people, by contributing to Every Child Matters (ECM) outcomes
The YOF aims to involve disadvantaged young people in identifying things to do and places to go. There are no restrictions on the range and types of activities that can be supported, provided they contribute to ECM outcomes. Partnerships and joint funding with other statutory, voluntary, community and private organisations are to be encouraged.
The YCF aims to create a capital budget over the two year period to be spent on what young people want and is designed to work in tandem with YOF. These monies can be matched from other sources. Young people will assist in the planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the fund.
GOYH, in the two years 2006-2008, will be allocating to Local Authorities and their wider Partnerships £12,073,384 to work with young people. The monies will be ring fenced to ensure they are spent on activities which young people want.
