Young people in Peterborough to benefit from £300,000 Government funding package

Young people in Peterborough are to share in a £282,890 Government funding package aimed at helping encourage careers in creative industries.

Nationally, £20.75 million of Youth Matters funding is being distributed through the grants to help improve youth provision over the coming months.

The funding can be used to support activities and youth work for young people aged 10 to 21, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities, with a particular focus on reaching disadvantaged young people and those less likely to take part in existing provision.

Peterborough City Council will receive the funding to use in the current financial year to support new and expanded youth activities shaped by young people themselves.

The Youth Matter Fund programme includes funding for the construction and renovation of youth facilities and the purchase of equipment.

A Government spokesperson said the funding sought to halve the ‘participation gap in enriching activities’ between disadvantaged young people and their peers.

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “We have £282,890 for immediate use this financial year because of our historical underfunding.

“We are also in a position to bid for funds from a larger funding programme.

He said: “Local authorities can use this funding to provide fun and enriching activities and youth work in their area and offer young people more opportunities for in-person connections.

“It will also help to embed young people’s views at the heart of decision-making, ensuring that activities funded are what young people want.

He said: “This is welcome investment in Peterborough’s young people.

“Every young person deserves somewhere welcoming to go, something worthwhile to do and someone they can turn to for support.

“This funding will help expand local activities, build friendships and confidence, and connect more young people with youth workers and other trusted adults.

“Crucially, young people themselves will help decide how the money is spent.

“They know what is missing locally, and their ideas must be at the heart of what comes next.“

“I want this investment to reach young people who too often miss out.

“Working with the council and our local youth organisations, we have an opportunity to make a real difference and build the case for further investment in Peterborough.”

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I welcome the announcement of this funding for Peterborough, which will help us create more opportunities for our young people to take part in fun, engaging and enriching activities.

“It is particularly important that we reach those who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities, helping them build friendships, confidence and positive connections with trusted adults and youth workers.“

“I want to ensure that young people have a real voice in shaping the activities and services available to them.

“By listening to their views and putting their needs at the heart of our decisions, we can make sure this funding makes a meaningful difference to young people across our city.”