Young people have their say as community projects receive £4,000
Eight youth-led projects across Powys have been awarded a share of £4,000 through a grant scheme that puts young people at the heart of decisions about how funding is allocated.
Funded by the Welsh Government and managed by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), the scheme invited young people aged 14 to 25 to apply for funding for projects that are led by young people, create volunteering opportunities and benefit their communities.
The successful projects will bring people together through activities including community events, gardening, theatre, creative workshops and volunteering.
The funding decisions were made by a panel of three young people aged 14 to 25, putting young voices at the heart of the process and giving them a direct say in which projects received support.
The successful projects are:
- Black Mountains College Student Society – An affordable and inclusive community pantomime will bring students and local residents together, giving young people opportunities to volunteer, build connections and contribute to their community.
- Cantal YFC – A series of five community whist drives will bring different generations together, helping to tackle loneliness in the rural community while creating volunteering opportunities for young people.
- Hay Theatre CIC – A production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with a Welsh twist will bring accessible live theatre to the community. Young volunteers will develop creative and performance skills, alongside workshops connecting them with older members of HayDay Dementia Café.
- Libanus YFC – A programme of youth-led volunteering activities will improve local spaces through projects such as planting and litter picking, while developing confidence, leadership and teamwork and strengthening connections with the wider community.
- Llanbadarn Fynydd YFC – A winter bingo night will bring the rural farming community together for an affordable social event, with young volunteers gaining experience in organising and running community activities.
- Platform 1 – A creative programme of photography, book-making and poetry will give young people opportunities to explore identity and self-expression, develop skills, build connections and volunteer in an inclusive community space.
- Presteigne YFC – A community gardening project will create flower gardens and planters for local spaces, including a care home and day care centre. Young volunteers will lead the project, developing practical, teamwork and leadership skills while creating opportunities for different generations to connect.
- Ystradfellte YFC – Community activities including a breakfast and first aid training will give young volunteers opportunities to develop practical skills and access training, while supporting the club’s contribution to the wider community.
Clair Swales, PAVO CEO, said: “Our recent Community Conversations project found that people of all ages across Powys value opportunities for young people and are concerned about their future in the county.
“These initiatives are a great example of what can happen when young people are given the chance to take the lead and make a difference in their communities.
“They also highlight the contribution young people can make through volunteering – from bringing different generations together and tackling loneliness to improving local spaces and creating new opportunities for people to connect.
“It’s important that people have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. This initiative puts that principle into practice, giving young people the opportunity not only to shape projects in their communities, but also to have a say in which projects receive support.
”I hope all the young people involved will learn a lot from taking part in these projects, while also having fun and enjoying the experience.”
For Third Sector development support, contact PAVO at info@pavo.org.uk