The recipients of the latest government grants for transforming youth clubs in England have been announced.  Local Councils and youth groups were encouraged to submit applications to provide out-of-school activities including building new youth centres or refurbishing existing buildings to breathe new life into them.

It is good news for RSN members Isle of Wight Council which was awarded just over £3m to renovate Sandown Town Hall to provide a new space for young people including a quiet space where young people can study and access resources such as books, computers and free Wi-Fi.  Other services include physical activity sessions for young people, mentoring activities and skills development.

Welcoming the Youth Investment Fund grant, the Isle of Wight Council’s Area Regeneration Programme Manager Laura Cansdale, said:

“It is fantastic news and demonstrates how a strong partnership approach can deliver results in place making.

We now have a great opportunity for us to apply the local priorities and principles emerging from the Bay Area Place Plan, to develop a facility that puts young people at the heart of the design and really works for the community today.”

Meanwhile, the Forest of Dean District Council will also benefit from the application made by The Music Works which has been granted £923,413 to create a studio at its Cinderford Hub.  The space will be open to young bands and artists to practice and record whilst also providing opportunity for young engineers and producers.

Speaking as part of the announcement, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

“I want every young person to have the opportunity to access the kinds of life-changing activities which expand their horizons and allow them to develop vital life skills. 

“These next 44 youth centres will give 12,000 more young people the opportunity to access these activities.  We will make sure every young person has someone to talk to, something to do, somewhere to go.”

Full details of organisations awarded funding in this latest round of grants can be found here.