Resources: Funding focus - Help Yourself Awards

What does it fund? The pitch to young people is to think about where they live, the places they go and the facilities they use, such as schools, parks and youth clubs. And if they are not happy with it, to imagine what they and their mates could do to make things better. There are four themes for this round: health in your community; developing skills through play and leisure; safety in your community; and tackling poverty in your community. The web site for the scheme suggests ways in which young people can band together to create their own project - from setting up their own radio station, which could address local issues as well enable young people to try out their DJ skills, to web sites, environmental projects and peer support bullying projects. Recent success stories include the Box Project in Sunderland, which has managed to turn a disused community building into a chill-out area for young people and is currently setting up various groups for young parents and young volunteers.