FUNDING INNOVATION IN SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – HOW DO YOU FUND YOURS?

A message from the National Youth Agency & Local Government Association:

FUNDING INNOVATION IN SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – HOW DO YOU FUND YOURS?

·         Do you want to improve services for young people?

·         Do you want recognition for the good work you do?

·         Do you want to influence the future of services for young people?

If you provide services for young people then the NYA and DfE want to hear from you. We are developing a project to explore how local areas draw on additional resources to provide services for young people

Why are we doing it?

There are countless examples of philanthropy, voluntary and the private sector resourcing projects and initiatives aimed at improving social outcomes. Often, however, this provision exists in spite of existing statutory services rather than as part of an integrated whole. In today’s austere financial environment it won’t be possible for local authorities to maintain historic levels of spending on services for young people so these sorts of approaches are increasingly important.

For commissioners of services to young people and services themselves there is little information on how to leverage and secure funding, including in kind, from non statutory sources. Making use of alternative sources of funding means changing how things are done and will be an increasingly important skill in the commissioners’ toolkit.

How can you help?

The NYA, LGA and DfE are developing a project to find examples where non statutory resources have been used to maximise the impact of direct funding and achieve the best possible outcomes for young people. This could include anything from third and private sector input through to philanthropy, corporate social responsibility or volunteers. The focus is on organised activities outside statutorily funded learning provision, both targeted and universal, which promote the personal and social development of young people aged 13-19.

If you know of or have any experience of particular initiatives you’d like to bring to this project we would love to hear from you. Please email the NYA’s Head of Policy, Alex Stutz This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This call for evidence is open until 5pm Wednesday 14^th December.