Grants available for youth projects in Bermondsey

The London Bridge Small Grants Fund, provided in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, is part of a wider programme of activity to strengthen links between the London Bridge BID Company and the surrounding community. It is the successor to the small grants fund run by the BID company's predecessor the Pool of London Partnership.

Grants of £500-£2,000 are available for projects which work with young people who live or go to school within the Bermondsey Community Council area (Riverside, Grange and South Bermondsey wards), and which meet one of the three fund aims:

1. Encouraging positive youth action
Projects could include: the setting up of new youth boards; activities which encourage young people to take part in community councils and other local organisations; projects which offer regular sports and arts activities.

2. Supporting the leap into the world of work
Projects could include: workshops which help to improve interpersonal, interview and team skills; projects which enhance IT skills; work experience projects, or projects which introduce young people to the day-to-day experience of work.

3. Providing extra educational opportunities
Projects will be considered which extend young people's educational experience outside of the National Curriculum.

Last year, 13 projects were supported, including art and theatre projects and sports sessions.

"The funding from the London Bridge small grants fund enabled us to hold six full
day summer holiday art workshops which were attended by many local families," explains Bridget Virde of Cafe Gallery Projects based at Southwark Park.

"The flags produced were then shown in an exhibition. All in all these have been some of our most successful workshops."

The fund is open to youth groups and clubs, charities, schools, businesses and community / voluntary organisations.

More information and application materials for the small grants fund can be found at www.londonbridgebid.co.uk/grants

The deadline for application is 5pm on Friday 15 February 2008.