£5 million youth group fund for disadvantaged youths

Minister for Civil Society Tracey Crouch has announced a new £5 million fund to increase places in uniformed youth groups to reach vulnerable young people and allow for expansion in deprived areas.

It is estimated that 5,500 spaces will be created in groups such as police cadets, Scouts, Guides and faith-based organisations to help reduce waiting lists for these in-demand local clubs, with the investment helping organisations open new groups in deprived areas across England and allow more children to benefit from weekly activities, camps or volunteering programmes.

Additionally, the Uniformed Youth Fund will provide more opportunities for adults to get involved in projects and volunteer their time in order to grow and sustain groups in their community. The Fund will also lay the foundations for groups to continue to expand and tackle waiting lists beyond the current financial year.

Crouch said: “Organisations like the Guides and Sea Cadets play a key role in so many childhoods. They create lasting friendships and teach important life skills such as teamwork and resilience. This fund strengthens our support for young people by ensuring that even more children have access to these groups and are helped to reach their full potential.”