Dozens of voluntary groups in Dorset providing valuable services and activities for children and young people have received a share of £200,000.

A of 44 organisations have received grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 through Dorset Council's Youth Fund Grant.

The scheme aims to support to deliver its priorities set out in the Children, Young People and Families' Plan from 2023 to 2

The funding will support voluntary organisations and enable young people aged 11-19 to engage in positive activities and have a safe place to go.

One of the groups to receive money from the scheme is STEPS for Young People in Weymouth, a youth club which provides activities and opportunities for 13-19-year-olds, many of whom are disadvantaged.

Tom Lane, principal social worker for STEPS, said: "The grant supports our programme of developmental work with young people, and in particular, our Youth Music Project.

"It's more crucial than ever that young people have a safe place to meet, professional support and opportunities to develop a range of skills that helps them to navigate teenage life.

"This grant helps to ensure that local young people are given those opportunities.”

As well as youth clubs, sports clubs, and drama and arts groups have also received funding from the council.

Several grants for organisations that support young people who might find it more difficult to access these opportunities, such as young carers, young people with special educational needs, those with a disability, and those experiencing food poverty have also been allocated. 

Debbie Munday, business development manager for Relate, an organisation based in Poundbury offering counselling for young people, said: “Ever since Covid we have seen a steady increase in young people seeking support from us. 

"The cost-of-living increase has put family finances under huge strain, making counselling out of reach to many families.

"Our funding from the Dorset Youth Fund Grant means we can offer low-cost early intervention counselling to young people to help them before their issues escalate.”

Emma Scott, community development officer for Dorchester Town Council also offered her thanks on behalf of Dorchester Youth Council, after funding from the Dorset Youth Fund Grant was used to help fund this year’s Anonymous festival.

She said: “Anonymous was truly a community event and it would not have been possible without this support.

"Thank you so much on behalf of the Dorchester Youth Council who lead on organising the event. Lots of people said that events like this make them proud to live in Dorchester. We look forward to Anonymous 2025 already.”

Decisions were made by a joint panel of elected Dorset Council councillors and members of Dorset’s Youth Council, as part of the Takeover Challenge, where young people have the opportunity to ‘take over’ from key Dorset Council decision makers.