Education Minister issues call for voluntary youth capital projects

Date published: 14 March 2016

Education Minister John O’Dowd has launched a call for voluntary youth capital projects.

John O'Dowd MLA

The new Voluntary Youth Capital Scheme will make capital grants available for the provision of facilities for the Youth Service.

Speaking about the Scheme, Minister O’Dowd said:

“Good quality youth work can have a significant impact on the lives of young people, particularly marginalised young people or those at risk of disengaging from formal education.

“The scheme I have launched today is a real opportunity for organisations across the North to seek assistance to help making improvements in the services they provide for our young people. For example, it could be refurbishing premises, improving facilities for people with disabilities, bringing properties up to standard or meeting the needs of young people within Section 75 and those at greater risk of social exclusion/marginalisation.

“This year’s scheme has been modified and includes a phased approach for applications, with less information required in the initial stages. I hope this revised process will encourage youth organisations, that work hard to support our local communities, to apply and benefit from this potential funding.”

The programme will be open to groups registered with the Education Authority and demonstrating the operation of a Youth Service Programme for at least nine hours per week for a minimum of 30 weeks per year.

Expression of Interest forms can be found on the Department’s website and the closing date for Expressions of Interest is Noon on Friday 13 May 1016.

Further details of the scheme and the application form will be published on Wednesday 1 June 2016.

Notes to editors: 

1. Completed Expression of Interest forms should be submitted to:

Estate Operations Team,
Rathgael House,
43 Balloo Road,
Rathgill,
Bangor,
BT19 7PR

Telephone – 028 9127 9363 or 028 9127 9505

Email - Youthcapital@deni.gov.uk

Deadline: noon on Friday 13 May 2016.

2. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.

3. See photos from the Department of Education in our flickr collection.

4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education’s Communications Team on Tel: 028 9127 9268. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.

Share this page

Back to top