Document Youth Development Fund Update

The Committee’s approval was sought for a set of recommendations on funding applications to the Youth Development Fund for 2024/25 and reflecting on projects supported in 2023/24 totalling £215,000.

Members highlighted a number of projects from 2023/24, including the ACE Youth Project, self defence classes and Sportability.

A panel had met to discuss the applications and suggest which projects should be supported from the allocation of £168,000 in the 2024/25 budget.  There were 15 projects it was agreed to fund plus a contingency fund.  Some of these were a continuation of projects from 2023/24.  However, there were some new projects including a Runnymede Sport Festival, Girls’ Football, Nature Makers classes and Climate Change Awareness in schools.  Officers in Community Services confirmed that a report would be submitted to the meeting of the Committee in March 2025 on the funded projects in 2024/25.

Approval was also given to delegate authority to the Corporate Head of Community Services in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee to award a ringfenced grant in the sum of £5,000 to Egham Cricket Club once some outstanding issues had been resolved.

Members were also keen to promote Mental Health Support for all ages and sought opportunities to do this with Health partners who could access a Mental Health Innovation fund.  Some Members also expressed a wish to become more involved with youth mental health initiatives and Officers would explore this.

Thanks were extended to Officers across Community Services for their contribution.

Resolved that –

i)             The proposed expenditure plan, as set out in paragraph 2.3 of the report, for the Youth Development budget in 2024/2025, be approved;and

ii)            Members approve the delegated authority to award a grant to Egham Cricket Club, following ongoing discussion and as outlined, to theCorporate Head of Community Services, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of Community Services Committee.