A new grants scheme has been launched to help more youngsters make a positive contribution to community life across Shropshire.
Grants of up to £1,250 will be available through the new High Sheriff Fund being run by the Shropshire Community Foundation.
High Sheriff Mandy Thorn MBE DL urged as many groups, organisations, schools and colleges as possible to apply for the funding.
Mandy said: “I am delighted that we are launching the fund, which is something of a first for us here in Shropshire.
“I’ve been lucky enough during my year in office to see some of the fantastic work which young people are doing all over the county to help their local communities and have been tremendously inspired by the example they are setting.
“I’ve also been fortunate to see some of the amazing work being carried out to give the best opportunities to youngsters from all parts of our community, and the very real difference this work is making to their lives. This fund will not only support groups which are already doing good work but could help get new schemes and ideas off the ground.
“We want to hear from any organisations or community groups which support youth-led projects that encourage young people to positively contribute to their local community. I am particularly keen to support projects that could go forward to the National Crimebeat Awards and therefore we would strongly welcome applications towards schemes that provide opportunities for young people at risk of involvement in crime or exploitation.”
Mandy said the launch of the fund had been made possible by support from companies such as Oswestry-based Aico, which had made a particularly generous donation to help establish the grant scheme.
The fund is available to organisations or community groups based within Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Applications will be assessed by a committee comprising of the High Sheriff, a trustee from the Shropshire Community Foundation and the High Sheriff in Nomination for Shropshire 2024/25. Applications are welcome with immediate effect and the phase one closing date is December 15.
The National Crimebeat Awards is the youth crime prevention charity of the High Sheriffs’ Association and works to give recognition to the most innovative and successful crime prevention projects carried out by young people.
CAPTION: High Sheriff of Shropshire Mandy Thorn, right, with her predecessor in the role and a current Deputy Lieutentant Selina Graham.
