HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report :

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1) Summary of Decision Area:

1.1 This report seeks the approval of the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services for grant applications for 2008/09, totalling £126,074 from former Connexions funding being administered by the Commissioning Coordination Unit.

1.2 There are three elements to the proposed spend:

1.2.1 An opportunity to build bridges with the voluntary sector and to meet an urgent need for project funding. A scrutiny panel was convened and considered bids of under 10K for project funding this year, in total a recommendation was made to allocate £92,574 to projects assessed on amended criteria to support 13-19 year olds who are vulnerable or at risk.

1.2.2 There are then two discrete pots recommended for core activity with young people as follows; £22,500 to the Youth Teams and Connexions Consortia for small projects and pump-priming at a local level which is seen to add immense value as these teams consolidate local effort and engage with prevention at a district level. We will issue guidance on spend. £11,000 for implementation and publicity for Hampshire-wide provision of creative leisure opportunities in support of the SfYP agenda. This sum is for District based publicity in local schools and part of a larger project to promote activities via a web portal.

1.2.3 This leaves a balance of £78,969 which we are intending to allocate in November via scrutiny panel following consultation with the VCS, this will advertised on the website, and will be against strict criteria to support the SfYP agenda and direct access to Youth Work, with further measures to ensure geographical and 'harder to reach' equitable provision.

2) Issues Covered in Report:

2.1. It provides information about work of voluntary organisations who previously applied for the Connexions grant funding and seeks grant approvals.

2.2. It provides details of core activity seeking pump priming and seeks grant approvals

3) Recommendations:

3.1. That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services approves grant applications totalling £ . £126,074

MAIN REPORT

1) Purpose of the Report:

1.1. Grants to voluntary organisations listed in this report will enable them to continue with, or expand, their services and undertake projects which will contribute towards the first two priorities of Hampshire County Council (Making Hampshire safer and secure for all, Maximising well-being), towards the outcomes of the Hampshire Children and Young People plan and towards all of the five outcomes of Every Child Matters.

2) Contextual Information:

2.1. All grant monies are former Connexions funding being administered by the Commissioning Coordination Unit.

2.2. All grant applications have to provide evidence that they contribute towards the five outcomes of the Children act, Hampshire's Children and Young Plan (CYYP) Children's Services function and improvement plans, and the aims and priorities of the Local Area Agreement.

3) Key Issues:

3.1. Grants to voluntary organisations support Hampshire County Council's priority of `Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all' by funding organisations that provide positive activities for children and young people. They also support the priority of `Maximising well being' by funding organisations which deliver services to children and young people, or are run by children and young people. In addition, the grants programmes contribute towards the Every Child Matters outcomes by encouraging young people to stay sage, be healthy, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being and thereby to various outcomes in the CYPP

3.2. All small grant applications are approved by the Scrutiny Panel before being submitted for ratification by the Hampshire County Council approval process.

4) Outline of Options:

4.1. Option 1:

4.1.2 Action for Blind People

Action for Blind People (Action) was established in 1857, with a mission statement to `inspire change and create opportunities to enable blind and partially sighted people to have equal voice and equal choice'. The project will support the growth of two sports clubs (Actionnaires) for visually impaired children in Portsmouth and Southampton, including a wider catchment area which offers services to Hampshire Children and young people. The Actionnaires clubs provide a range of sporting opportunities for visually impaired children and young adults aged between 8 and 16 years old. The clubs achieve these objectives through promoting the participation of visually impaired children in healthy recreation through weekly sports sessions hosted by fully qualified specialist coaches within local leisure centres in Portsmouth and Southampton. Each club offers over 20 forms of specially adapted sporting activities for the club's participants ranging from football to scuba diving.

A grant of £1500 is recommended.

4.1.2 Learning Through Action

Learning Through Action (Est 1983) creates and delivers interactive learning workshops in Primary, Secondary and Special Schools, Pupil Referral Units, Young Offender Institutions and other venues. These workshops focus on personal, social and health issues. Grant funding would fund the costs of delivery of 9 days of workshops to students aged 13-18, in Secondary / Special schools across Hampshire. Schools / PRUs may choose between `It's Your Life!' (alcohol and drugs misuse) and `Making Choices' (sex and relationships- STIs and underage pregnancy). The workshops, during which myths and assumptions are challenged and corrected, use role play and prepared simulations, small group discussion and a range of interactive strategies to effectively engage the participants.

A grant of £5,000 is recommended.

4.1.3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust works to create a better future for wild places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Funding will support the Youth Volunteering Project which works with a broad range of 13-25 year olds many from socially disadvantaged backgrounds or have disabilities and provide practical conservation volunteering opportunities within a safe framework. This involvement makes a lasting positive contribution to their local environment and their local community. Funding will engage young people from communities in Southampton and New Forest areas.

A grant of £3000 is recommended.

4.1.4 Hampshire Youth Options

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Options offer a diverse and creative range of support and opportunities for young people aged 8-19 years. HYO currently delivers Year 11 transition projects in Havant and Basingstoke, supporting Year 11 pupils during the transition period from school into further education, training or employment and offering additional support for young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET. Young people taking part in the transition programme will have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities e.g. sports coaching and outdoor activities (be healthy, enjoy and achieve), drug and alcohol workshops (stay safe, be healthy), Roadrunners (stay safe), accreditation opportunities (enjoy and achieve economic well being) volunteering opportunities (make a positive contribution)The funding would enable HYO to extend the provision to cover the New Forest and improve attainment for year 11 pupils in the area.

A grant of £9000 is recommended.

4.1.5 Off the Record (South East Hants)

Off The Record aim to relieve and prevent suffering of young people aged 11-25 in South East Hampshire, by offering them a range of free and confidential services which encompass: counselling, information, crisis support , educational and preventative services. The grant would be used to provide a new 3 tier volunteer training programme that will equip and empower volunteers at all levels, enabling them to support their young clients and offer up to three counselling slots per hour 6,600 counselling hours per year.

A grant of £2,000 is recommended.

4.1.6 Parents Action Group for Special Play

The Parents Action Group for Special Play organise play opportunities for disabled young people in Rushmoor and local area. Funding will enable the group to continue to provide the Music, Arts, Dance and Drama club providing a drama group and a dance group once a week term time, and a music group once a month. M.A.D.D club provides a unique opportunity for disabled young people aged 9-16 years to socialise with their peers and learn news skill is for disabled young people and their siblings.

A grant of £6365 is recommended.

4.1.7 Winnall Rock School

Winnall Rock School delivers free music lessons to young people aged 10-18, who live in the neighbourhoods of Winchester where there is evidence of social deprivation and exclusion - Winnall, Stanmore., Highcliffe and Weeke. Priority is given to members from families with low incomes or those referred by Children's Services. Funding will enable the group to continue to meet weekly enhance the current teaching offer and increase the number of participants through outreach and one off workshops, at different venues.

A grant of £10000 is recommended.

4.1.8 Ocean Youth Trust South

Ocean Youth Trust South exists to offer personal development through adventure under sail to young people aged 12-25 form the widest possible variety of backgrounds. OYT South owns a purpose-built sail training vessel, John Laing, which has berths for 12 young people and provides voyages lasting from two days to two weeks, offering the opportunity to develop team working skills, acquire new skills and qualifications. Funding would contribute towards general and special bursaries for young people

A grant of £5000 is recommended.

4.1.9 Multi Sports Club

Weekly football coaching sessions held at Crestwood Schools, 30 week programme.

A grant of £1000 is recommended.

4.1.10 Hampshire Autistic Society

Provide residential holidays for people on the autistic spectrum by hiring a timber cabin at the QE II Activity Centre within Manor Farm, Burseldon, Southampton. Activities include canoeing, abseiling, archery and horse riding.

A grant of £3,334 is recommended.

4.1.11 Rushmoor Healthy Living

Looking Good, Feeling Good is an ongoing highly successful project which has been delivering a wide range of very positive outcomes since 2003. Targeting 11-18 year olds the project encourages Young People to take part in more activity / exercise in a variety of ways.

A grant of £7,500 is recommended.

4.1.12 Solent Youth Action

Volunteering opportunities for 11-15 year olds at risk of exclusion or offending. A extension of a successful project that has been established in Southampton, grand monies will fund the same model in Eastleigh area and include the offering taster days and one-off volunteering opportunities

A grant of £6,500 is recommended.

4.1.13 Step by Step

Promotes economic well being by helping young people find employment, education and training.. Providing advice and support, access to telephone, local papers and other information on job opportunities. This is a proven project - over a third of clients aged 16 to 19 have been successful in entering employment, education or training through this first stage module.

A grant of £10,000 is recommended.

4.1.14 Youth & Families Matter

An established group working with young people who have behavioural and emotional problems. The funding will provide one-to-one mentoring on a weekly basis in Totton secondary schools.

A grant of £4,540 is recommended.

4.1.15 The Hampton Trust

Is a residential learning opportunity for up to 35 young people from the Romsey area, who are at risk of school exclusion, drug or alcohol misuse or poor health. All participants will be from the 13-17 age group. The support provided involves specialised programmes delivered on an individual basis or groups to listen to young people, support them to address their needs and fulfil their potential and improve their long term outcomes relating to the five key objectives of Every Child Matters.

A grant of £7,000 is recommended.

4.1.16 Youth Clubs Hampshire & IOW

The project will provide opportunities for young people to develop a range of skills and participate in training. Funding will provide (accredited) training and support for young people across the county including CAT Mark assessment training, allowing individuals to learn about and experience participation and necessary skills to influence positive change. Currently providing support for the CAT Mark Scheme, funding will provide opportunities for young people to develop a range of skills in a supportive environment and strengthen and develop partnerships to widen participation.

A grant of £5835 is recommended.

4.1.17 Eastleigh Borough & Romsey MENCAP Society

A service for children and young people with learning disabilities to provide new opportunities to participate in social activities. 22 young people aged 13-25 from Eastleigh and Romsey will be supported by experienced staff and benefit from one to one support or go out as part of a small group and experience familiar and new activities.

A grant of 5,000 is recommended.

4.2. Option 2. Youth Offer

Working with each of the 11 districts and Service Managers, funding will pump prime the `Youth Offer' project, an innovative paper based resource advertising local activities. Each District has committed funding and the remainder of the cost of design and production will be funded by the grant from HCC. The fold out `credit card' will be distributed to schools and supported by the 11 District Service Managers who are fully committed in developing this marketing tool.

A grant of £11,000 is recommended.

4.4 Option 3.:

a) Local Discretionary Grants

Working with Youth Teams and Connexions Consortia funding will pump prime small projects at a local level which is seen to add immense value as these teams consolidate local effort and engage with prevention at a district level. Guidance will be issued on spend.

A grant of £22,500 is recommended

5) Conclusions:

5.1. Ongoing work with the organisations listed in this report indicates that the services provided by them seek to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families. They also significantly contribute to the Children and Young Peoples Plan. As such, this report requests the approval of Executive Lead Member for Children's Services for funding.

6) Summary Recommendations:

6.1. That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services approves a grant £11,000 to pump prime the Youth Offer project and fund the production of a paper based resource for young people.

6.2. That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services approves a grant of £22,500 to pump prime local projects via Connexions Consortium and Youth Teams

6.3. That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services approves grant applications totalling £92,574 to voluntary organisations

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:

COMPREHENSIVE RISK & IMPACT ASSESSMENT:

REFERENCE: CIARA60829E