BBC Children in Need launches a new grant programme for disabled young people
BBC Children in Need has launched a new grant programme, Fun and Friendship, which will focus on disabled young people aged 12-18 years old living in the UK.
The £3 million grants programme, Fun and Friendship, was set up following commissioned research revealing a significant lack of opportunity for independent socialising for disabled young people, often leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. BBC Children in Need are targeting organisations that can provide these opportunities for friendship, and identify and address the barriers disabled young people face as teenagers growing up.
BBC Children in Need intends to award up to 12 three-year grants of up to £300,000 each. The Fun and Friendship grants programme is in addition to BBC Children in Need's general grants.
David Ramsden, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need says "Fun and Friendship is aimed at projects that empower disabled young people and work to support opportunities for friendships, fun and social independence."
The scheme is designed for organisations with the infrastructure and experience to support the participation and leadership of disabled young people, and those who are willing to engage and share with the network of Fun and Friendship projects and others in the field of disability.
Ramsden continues "We want to increase learning across the wider sector, and with each successful applicant's contribution, work together to promote new and effective ways of doing things."
The primary focus of applications should be social interaction, with disabled young people actively engaged in determining how that develops, combined with a commitment to sharing what is learned in the process.
The deadline for applications is 31 July 2009 and projects can apply online
Those who are successful will be awarded a grant in February 2010.
For more information, please visit the Fun &Friendship section of our website or email the BBC Children in Need Grants Team
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