Thanks Sam…
For making last year’s Youth Work Week such a success

Following the success of last year’s Youth Work Week, this year we will again be providing grants for Additional Youth Work Week Events. 20 projects will be selected by an independent judging panel, with a grant of up to £500 to help pay for the costs associated with setting up and promoting special events that are being organised in addition to those that would normally take place.

What is the Grant?

We want organisations to come up with innovative ways of engaging with young people across Wales to feed into activities for Youth Work Week. We want you, in association with young people, to develop something that you have never tried before with the aim of introducing new people to the services that you deliver and to motivate as many members of the public in Wales to understand the vital role youth work plays in the development of young people.

What are the aims of the Grant?

  • To put in place activities during Youth Work Week that you would not normally deliver and ensure that young people have been involved in the design and development of the project.
  • To bring the programme to life by generating and implementing bold, powerful creative ideas that help young people, adults, stakeholders and the public in Wales to understand the role of youth work.
  • To help young people to raise their aspirations, realise their potential and have their achievements recognised via non-formal education programmes and activities.
  • To provide a focal point for gaining public attention and involvement by the network and young people during a week of activities to take place under the banner of Youth Work Week.
  • To place youth work at the heart of activity during this period of time, increasing the number of young people using the Youth Service and raising public awareness of Youth Work Week.

The proposals should be developed out of the needs and interests of young people. The projects that are designed should provide an engaging and effective way of encouraging young people to take responsibility and become involved citizens, as well as building skills that will remain useful through their lives.

Remember: the grant is for an event that is additional to what you are currently planning!

A limited number of grants of up to £500 are available. If you are successful, your grant will be paid in two parts - 70% in advance and 30% upon completion of a final evaluation report; an evaluation proforma will be provided. It is crucial that these events are evaluated, as the future funding of Youth Work Week will depend on the feedback that the Welsh Assembly Government receives from you.

Please note: The scheme cannot fund:

  • Research projects
  • Political activity

Who can apply?

We welcome applicants from any Youth Service group or organisation. Youth Service organisations work with young people in ways that are described in the National Youth Service Strategy and the Youth Work Curriculum Statement for Wales. Ideally you should be working in partnership. We would like to support groups who may be working with a wide range of agencies and have the involvement of young people as part of the decision making process.

Application criteria

It is anticipated that there will be a large number of applicants; therefore, the following factors will be taken into account when assessing applications:

  • The demonstration of a partnership approach where appropriate;
  • Evidence of innovative and creative proposals, which may reach new audiences;
  • The involvement of young people in the planning, delivery and evaluation of the project.

How to apply

Download the Additional Events grant application form and return it by Monday 1 June 2009 to:
David Heath, Youth Work Strategy Branch,
Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ
Tel: 029 20821552
E-mail: YWSMailbox@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Please note: If you are successful, you will be notified in writing by Monday, 13 July 2009.

Evaluation

The success of Youth Work Week is dependant upon the Welsh Assembly Government receiving feedback through evaluation forms.

The evaluation form will request information on: what happened; who took part; lessons learnt; outcomes for young people and other participants; and, feedback from all participants. We need you to complete and return these; we need your help to secure the future of Youth Work Week!