A panel of young people from across The Bedford College Group has selected eight organisations to each benefit from a share of Bedford Giving’s £87,000 grant funding.
The Bedford Giving Youth Panel has awarded the funding to organisations that they feel are delivering inspiring projects for local young people, and continues the charitable partnerhip’s committment to creating opportunites for the Borough’s young people.
The funding will support projects taking place across Bedford Borough throughout the coming year and hundreds of young people will benefit from new experiences, stronger support networks and opportunities to grow, learn and lead.
The eight projects, chosen from a shortlist of 23 applications, promote wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, life skills, sport, youth voice and safe spaces, helping hundreds of young people across the borough thrive.
Unfortunately, this meant that many very worthwhile projects could not be funded on this occasion.
The funded organisations are:
Autism Bedfordshire
The Bedford Giving funding will contribute towards the funding of fortnightly social groups for autistic young people aged 10–17.
The groups will provide a much-needed and welcoming environment where they can make friends, build confidence, develop independence and enjoy a wide range of activities in Bedford and Kempston.
Bedford Radio CIC
The funded project will see young people developing media and broadcasting skills by creating and presenting radio programmes focused on the issues that matter most to them.
The grant aims to strengthen Bedford Borough’s youth voice, encouraging greater understanding of local media and local politics.
Food etc CIC
Food etc CIC provide practical cooking sessions that equip young people with valuable nutrition and food preparation skills, helping them create affordable, nutritious meals.
As well as learning a new skill, the workshops also build confidence, independence and stronger social connections.
Hear 2 Listen CIC
Bounce Back & Be Heard is a programme of 48 youth-led sessions across Bedford providing safe spaces where young people aged 13–19 can socialise, try new activities, improve their wellbeing and feel heard within their community.
Sporting Aid CIC
Bedford Giving will fund free weekly football sessions for girls aged 13–17.
The sessions will create an inclusive environment where participants can enjoy sport, build friendships, develop confidence and explore leadership opportunities.
Rollback World CIC
Vital funding has been allocated towards a creative hub in Bedford town centre.
The hub aims to be a place where young people can produce podcasts, explore creative media and have open conversations around identity, mental health and the issues affecting their lives.
Everyone’s Gang CIC
Link Up is a weekly programme run by Everyone’s Gang that offers creative activities, life skills and a safe space where young people can connect with others, develop confidence and discover positive opportunities for their future.
Q:alliance
The grant to Q:alliance will support LGBTQ+ young people through the creation of a new youth-led hub.
The hub will provideone-to-one support and outreach to those experiencing isolation, ensuring they feel safe, valued and empowered.
Young people leading the change
By putting young people at the heart of the decision-making process, Bedford Giving continues to demonstrate the value of trusting young people to help shape the services, opportunities and communities they want to see.
Bedford Giving Director, Paul (PK) Kellett, said: “The Youth Panel is all about giving young people a genuine voice in where funding goes.
“Every decision has been made by young people, for young people, ensuring that these projects reflect the real needs, interests and aspirations of communities across Bedford Borough.”
He said the emergence of a new generation of young community leaders has been particularly inspiring.
“By bringing together young people from different backgrounds and experiences, we’ve created a space where their insights, ideas and lived experiences can directly shape local investment,” he said.
“The result is funding that not only responds to what matters most to young people today, but also helps build confidence, leadership and positive change for the future.”
Yiannis Koursis OBE, CEO of The Bedford College Group, said the college was “delighted” to see young people making decisions that impact their communities.
“The Youth Panel has demonstrated remarkable thoughtfulness and commitment in selecting projects that will support wellbeing, inclusion, skills development and opportunity for young people across Bedford Borough,” he explained.
“This investment reflects the power of collaboration and the importance of ensuring young people’s voices are heard, valued and acted upon.”
In a statement, Bedford Giving congratulated all of this year’s funded organisations and thanked every organisation that applied.
“The quality of applications once again demonstrated the passion, innovation and commitment of organisations working to improve the lives of young people across Bedford Borough,” it said.
“Together, we’re helping to build a borough where young people are heard, valued and empowered to shape the future.”
