The Youth Opportunities Fund is a pot of government money open for young people to use for local projects. In Bournemouth there is still money available to support the ideas and projects of young people aged 13-19! Ideas must be independent – not driven (but most likely supported) by adults, and ideally have a positive effect on the community as a whole.

Made up of a group of 12 young people, the Bournemouth Youth Opportunities Fund board meet regularly to discuss where to spend the money, who to promote it to and how to make the fund accessible to all young people in Bournemouth. They also form a panel on presentation nights, when people bidding for grants come and present their ideas. Ultimately, it is these 12 who decide who gets what.

The fund is aimed at 13-19 year olds who have an idea that needs financial backing.

You can apply online at www.byof.co.uk or for more information contact Ben, the BYOF project worker, on 07879 476101/ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it