New Youth Investment Fund to support schemes in targeted disadvantaged communities across England.

The Prime Minister today announces an £80 million boost for England’s youth sector – helping give young people the best start in life so they can go as far as their talents will take them.

The money will open up opportunities for young people to get involved in their communities and gain new experiences, to support their personal development, build character and help them succeed in the future. Local voluntary youth groups will be able to bid for a share of the funding, which builds on the Prime Minister’s commitment to building a country that works for all through creating opportunity and developing individual potential.

Winning youth projects could include clubs offering activities from football to basketball, arts and drama courses, enterprise training or volunteering opportunities such as encouraging healthy living in their area or supporting charities and awareness campaigns such as Guide Dog Week.

The £40 million Youth Investment Fund (YIF) will be open to projects in targeted disadvantaged communities, with funding available up to 2020 to help organisations invest and plan for the future. Young people will be involved in the design and decision-making of the new fund, with the first awards are expected to be made in spring 2017.

In addition, the Government and Big Lottery Fund will continue their commitment to Step Up to Serve’s #iwill campaign and will each invest a further £20 million each by the end of 2020. The Government will also introduce the National Citizen Service Bill next week, setting out our ongoing commitment to NCS and how we will ensure the opportunities it offers are available to all.

The initiatives will be jointly delivered by the Government and the Big Lottery Fund. £40 million will go towards the new Youth Investment Fund, targeting disadvantaged communities across England, while an additional £40 million will provide continued support for Step Up to Serve’s successful #IWill youth social action campaign. Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“I want Britain to be the great meritocracy of the world and a fundamental part of this is ensuring all young people get the best possible start in life.

This new funding demonstrates our commitment, and will be a huge boost for youth groups across the country – giving young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the opportunity to gain the experiences and skills they need to succeed in life.

This is all part of our determination to build a country that works for everyone– and ensure that young people can go as far as their talents allow, regardless of their backgrounds.”