Young people living in deprived areas in Dorset are being given the opportunity to explore and celebrate untold local histories thanks to a national grant scheme launched today by Historic England.

The History in the Making fund will enable underrepresented young people from across England (aged 13-25) to research, discover and mark a part of their local heritage that has been overlooked or forgotten.

Historic England is inviting applications from youth groups in Dorset and the wider south west who want to explore fascinating local stories and have innovative ideas for place markers to commemorate them so these histories can be shared with the whole community and beyond.

There is funding available for up to 15 projects across England and the successful applications will be chosen with the help of Historic England’s panel of Young Advisers who are aged (18-25).

Ellen Harrison, Participation and Learning Director at Historic England, said: “Heritage has the power to improve people’s lives and can give local communities a sense of identity. We are looking to fund projects in areas of deprivation in the South West that will empower young people to tell inspiring stories and create a lasting legacy that will instil local pride.”

History in the Making was originally launched last year in Northern England, with Historic England funding 11 projects.

The resulting place markers included an audio celebration of South Tyneside’s mining heritage; a mural commemorating Rotherham’s Slovak and Roma communities, and a pizza oven inspired by the people who lived on Hadrian’s Wall in Newcastle. Details about how to apply for History in the Making are available at: https://historicengland.org.uk/campaigns/help-write-history/history-in-the-making/