A cartoon picture of scouts

New funding for community groups announced

Uniformed groups across the county are to benefit from thousands of pounds in funding to support their work in the community.

It follows a Government commitment in 2018 to invest up to £5m to increase opportunities for disadvantaged children to take part in youth organisations.

The Council is now extending this programme with extra investment to support and promote the role of uniformed services and groups.

The Uniformed Services and Associated Group Organisations Fund (USAGOF), which has been approved by the Council’s Cabinet, is aimed at Northumberland organisations who can provide evidence that they “sustain opportunities for engagement and volunteering as part of an established programme to benefit local communities”. 

The Fund is initially £25,000 and successful applicants could get up to £1,000 each.

Councillor Wayne Daley, Cabinet Member for Children Services, said: “This is a fantastic scheme which will let people experience and benefit from a wide range of opportunities that otherwise would not be open to them. 

“Groups across Northumberland tell us their work is about bringing people together, having fun and adventure while learning valuable life skills like team work, resilience, initiative and problem solving. 

“We know there is already a huge number of volunteers, both adult and young people already active in groups across the county and we want to open this up for more people to get involved.

“This fund recognises the important role these groups play in engaging young people in positive behaviours and activities from a very young age which carries through as they get older.”

Some examples which the fund may be extended to include equipment, travel or activity costs or uniform contributions.

Details of how groups can apply through the council will be announced shortly.

Groups and organisations which would qualify for funding include:
● Girlguiding including
○ Rainbows
○ Brownies
○ Guides
○ Rangers
● The Scout Association including
○ Beavers
○ Cubs
○ Scouts
○ Adventure Scouts
● Mini Police/Volunteer Police Cadets
● Young Firefighters/Fire Cadets
● St John Ambulance Cadets
● Air Training Corps 
● Sea Cadet Corps 
● Army Cadet Force
● Girls/Boys’ Brigade
● Constituted groups/clubs
 
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