£27m funding boost for disadvantaged young people

Ed Balls and Beverley Hughes today presented disadvantaged and vulnerable young people with a boost as they announced a package of over £27million of funding and business support for five major charities.

The money will help Kids Company, Speaking Up, Fairbridge, UK Youth and Leap expand the innovative work they do in helping young people who face difficult issues such as substance misuse, teenage pregnancy, coping with disability and homelessness, and will ensure that thousands more vulnerable young people have access to support when they need it most. 

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said: “I am delighted that we are able to provide support - not just in terms of funding to assist these organisations in the short term, but also through professional business advice that will help secure their future in the longer term. 

“Each of these organisations provides a unique and invaluable service to young people, helping them overcome difficult issues such as drug and alcohol abuse and becoming homeless.

“Today’s announcement will help ensure this crucial support is available for every young person that needs it.”     

Minister for Children, Young People and Families, Beverley Hughes said: "All five of these organisations provide a lifeline to some of society’s most vulnerable and deprived young people, providing emotional and practical support to thousands each year.

“The money we are announcing today will enable them to significantly expand and improve their services so that even more children and young people have access to the help and advice that can be so important in getting their lives back on track.

“The third sector has a crucial role to play in helping our most vulnerable young people and the Government is fully committed to supporting these vital services.” 

As well as financial help, the Youth Sector Development Fund (YSDF) ensures that each of the five organisations receive tailored business advice to help them secure a healthy future.

The five charities were chosen from over 90 expressions of interest received by the Department.

Each organisation will receive the following amounts over the next three years:

•         Kids Company                        £12,723,336
•         UK Youth                                 £4,092,956
•         Fairbridge                                £3,798,051
•         Speaking Up                            £3,209,347
•         LEAP                                       £3,288,970

The money is the latest round of funding to be distributed as part of Aiming High, the Government’s Ten Year Youth Strategy.

Aiming High and a corresponding £679million was announced in July 2007, to help young people, particularly those in deprived areas, take part in positive activities to develop new skills and raise aspirations.