Grassroots groups in Waltham Forest can bid for grants to power projects offering young people “a better alternative to the streets and building life skills that help them thrive“
A new £120,000 funding pot has been launched to fund youth services in Waltham Forest, in a bid to help young people feel more connected to and involved in their communities.
Launched by housing association L&Q, the Young People’s Programme brings together voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations across six of their estates to expand opportunities for local residents.
Grassroots groups in Waltham Forest can bid for grants to power projects offering young people a better alternative to the streets and building life skills that help them thrive.
Matt Corbett, director of L&Q Foundation said: “Talent exists in every community, but opportunity doesn’t always follow. We want residents in Waltham Forest to have every chance to build the future they want, and the best way to do that is to create safe spaces where they can learn and grow. Local groups make an extraordinary difference and backing them is part of our refreshed approach to target support where it’s needed most.”
Between 2012 and 2023, the number of youth centres run by local authorities almost halved. With fewer local spaces to turn to, the sharp decline in youth services has been linked to rising social isolation and increased online dependency.
Organisations can apply for projects worth £10,000 or more, covering youth outreach and engagement sessions, diversionary activities (designed to keep young people safe, engaged, and out of trouble, mentoring programme, sports, arts and creative projects, as well as skills development and youth provision.
Funding will be awarded from a total programme budget of £120,000, with “grants allocated directly according to local need to foster safer, more connected neighbourhoods”, L&Q has said.
Previous L&Q grant recipients include a boxing academy, baby bank, basketball club, community arts programme, and hip-hop dance school.
L&Q manages more than 8,000 homes in Waltham Forest, including almost 5,000 social homes. Other locations covered by the fund are Haringey, Lewisham, Newham, Trafford and Waltham Forest.
Interested organisations should fill out the form here and send their completed application to [email protected]. The application window closes at 9am on 14th September
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