£200k given to voluntary organisations to support Dorset’s youth

Dorset Council has given £200k from its Youth Fund Grant to 44 voluntary organisations, that provide valuable services and activities for children and young people living in Dorset.

Dorset Council’s Youth Fund Grant aims to support the council to deliver the priorities set out in the Children, Young People and Families’ Plan 2023 to 2033.

The grants allocated, ranging from £1,000 to £10,000, will support voluntary organisations and enable young people aged 11-19 to engage in positive activities and have a safe place to go.

Decisions were made by a joint panel of elected Dorset Council Councillors and members of Dorset’s Youth Council, as part of the Takeover Challenge, where young people have the opportunity to ‘take over’ from key Dorset Council decision makers.  

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills said:

“It is great news that so many community and voluntary groups will be receiving a financial boost, allowing more of Dorset’s youth to benefit from fun, positive activities. Bids were received from all over Dorset, ensuring the money will reach many of our communities and benefit hundreds, if not thousands, of young people across the county.

“We want all young people in Dorset to lead healthy and active lives and to be prepared for adult life. Engaging in group activities and having trusted adults to turn to, and a safe place to visit, goes some way in achieving this.”

Grant recipients include youth clubs, sports clubs, and drama and arts groups. The panel also approved several grants for organisations that support young people who might find it more difficult to access these opportunities, such as young carers, young people with special educational needs, those with a disability, and those experiencing food poverty.

Tom Lane, Principal Social Worker for STEPS Club for Young People in Weymouth, said:

"The grant supports our programme of developmental work with young people, and in particular, our Youth Music Project. It's more crucial than ever that young people have a safe place to meet, professional support and opportunities to develop a range of skills that helps them to navigate teenage life. This grant helps to ensure that local young people are given those opportunities.”

Debbie Munday, Business Development Manager for Relate, an organisation offering counselling for young people, said:

“Ever since COVID we have seen a steady increase in young people seeking support from us.  The Cost-of-Living increase has put family finances under huge strain, making counselling out of reach to many families. Our funding from the Dorset Youth Fund Grant means we can offer low-cost early intervention counselling to young people to help them before their issues escalate.”

Emma Scott, Community Development Officer for Dorchester Town Council also offered her thanks on behalf of Dorchester Youth Council, after funding from the Dorset Youth Fund Grant was used to help fund this year’s Anonymous festival. She said:

“Anonymous was truly a community event and it would not have been possible without this support. Thank you so much on behalf of the Dorchester Youth Council who lead on organising the event. Lots of people said that events like this make them proud to live in Dorchester. We look forward to Anonymous 2025 already.”

For more information about Dorset Council’s Youth Fund Grant please visit the Dorset Council website.

To find out more about the Takeover Challenge or Dorset’s Youth Council, visit our website or contact the Youth Voice team. Email: youthvoice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk