Bracknell

Young Bracknell people are being invited to submit bids for cash to pay for activities and facilities they want to see in the borough.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has received £155,000 from the Department for Education and Skills targeting projects initiated by, and designed for, young people.

Now Bracknell 13 to 19 year olds are being encouraged to apply for cash from the £90,000 Youth Opportunity Fund for projects that focus on new activities, experiences or a one-off event.

They can also apply for money from the £65,000 Youth Capital Fund for improving youth facilities or providing something new. This fund could also be used to pay for giving existing premises a revamp or buying new equipment for events and activities.

All the applications need to be completed by the young people running the projects. Decisions about where the money will go will be made by a panel of young people from around the borough.

The Council's Youth Services team is now inviting young people to apply for a place on that decision-making panel.

Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, said: "This is a great chance for young people to speak up and take the lead in making the changes they want to see.

"They will chose the projects that get the go-ahead and it's their responsibility to pick those that will benefit Bracknell Forest's young people the most.

"I'd urge all young people to grab this opportunity to make a real difference to the facilities and services they use.

"In doing so they'll also be strengthening the voice of young people throughout the borough and I have no doubt they'll learn a lot, develop useful skills in the process and have some fun!"

Information and applications forms are available from Bracknell youth centres, secondary schools, libraries and Connexions.

Forms can also be downloaded from the Council's website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/learning/learn-youth-services or by sending an email to bracknell-youthfunds@hotmail.co.uk or tel: 01344 353131.

The closing date for applications is Friday September 29.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council