Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1. Executive Summary

1.1. This report seeks the approval of the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services for grant applications of £5,000 or above for 2009/10, totalling £133,931.

1.2. It provides information about the work of the organisations who applied to the third round of Children's Services Integrated Grant and the first round of funding solely for voluntary organisations meeting Extended Services core delivery.

1.3. Grants to organisations listed in this report will enable them to continue with, or expand, their services and undertake projects which 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 (CYPP) and towards all five outcomes of Every Child Matters

1.4. Budget remaining for CSI Round four £33,697. Budget remaining for Extended Services Round two £62,210.

2. Contextual information

2.1 Children's Services Integrated grant budget is an amalgamation of the following funding streams; Youth Service Annual Revenue Grant (ARG), Children & Families (C&F), Children's Fund, Connexions Grant Programme, Early Education and Childcare Unit Grants and former Education grants.

2.2 The Extended Services budget is specifically ring-fenced for voluntary sector organisations to deliver projects in support of the Extended Services core offer. Grant application processes have been managed in partnership between the Extended Services team and the Commissioning Coordination Unit to provide a joined up approach to the process of awarding grants.

2.3 What was formerly the Children's Fund element of the Area based grant was preventive money to be spent on children and young people aged five to thirteen years. Because there is a well-established process for these funds to be allocated at a local, District based level, via Local Partnership Groups, (LPG) this process is continuing for this financial year as a transitional measure. Each District receives an allocation determined by using the formula drawn from central government Indices of Deprivation. During the year, slippage may occur as projects end, or underspend their allocation for other reasons. These sums are then re-allocated by the LPG, but in cases where the recommended amount is over £5,000, this must be approved by the Executive Member.

2.4 This is the first year that the new integrated approach to grant and other funding has been employed to provide a more transparent, accessible and coherent approach across this area. The major proportion of the available funding is devolved to District based Children and Young People's Groups, where these exist, or to the Local Partnership Groups who previously allocated Children's Fund project funding. This allows for local accountability, enhances local gap analyses, and allows local people a direct route to be involved in the decision making process. The recommendations from the local groups, and from local stakeholders in the case of Extended Services, are then scrutinised via a scoring matrix, by the county multi-agency panel prior to their inclusion in this decision paper.

2.5 All applications must meet strict eligibility criteria which ensure that the funding is aligned with Every Child Matters and the Children and Young Peoples Plan 2009-2012 (CYPP) and the Local Area Agreement (LAA) priority improvement areas. All applications use a common process and are supported where necessary by Commissioning and Co-ordination Unit (CCU) officers. All project applications of £5,000 or above must be approved by the Executive Member.

2.6 A great deal of work has been undertaken in the period leading up to the allocation of recommended funding publicising the new processes for grants. Following advertisement on the intranet, and on several sites used by the Children's Voluntary Sector Alliance, the range of applications has been broadened considerably, and many organisations have applied for the first time.

2 Budget position

2.1 Children's Services Integrated Grant

2.2 Extended Services Grants

3 Criteria of grant

3.1 Children's Services Integrated Grant - This grant programme is an amalgamation of the Youth Services annual grant and revenue grant programmes, the Connexions grant programme, the Children's Fund grant programme, the Children and Families grant programme, and the Early Education and Childcare Unit's grants to voluntary organisations programme. Applications are considered from voluntary, community, "not for profit" and, when applicable, statutory organisations eligible for grant aid where the following conditions are fulfilled: The services, projects or activities of the organisation are in compliance with the aims and objectives, priorities and policies of Hampshire County Council and the Children's Services Department as laid down in the Local Area Agreement (LAA) and the Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP). The services, projects or activities benefit people living in the County of Hampshire.

3.2 Extended Services - This funding is available to voluntary organisations to deliver projects in support of the Extended Services core offer. Funding supports activities taking place up until 31^st August 2010. The general criteria for all Children's Services Integrated grants apply. Additionally, organisations applying for funding under this element will have to show how their existing or proposed project supports the Extended Services Core Offer and demonstrate which cluster the service would take place within and which schools are linked to the project. Voluntary Sector organisations who are already working, or would like to work, in partnership with their local school(s) and who wish to provide additional innovative activities that help to achieve the Extended Schools core offer. Activities should either be provided on a school site or should seek to support vulnerable young people, including those at risk of exclusion from, or those who have already been excluded from school; in these cases alone projects may be located in non-school settings. The activity, which can be either a one off activity or a programme of activities, must support one or more of the following core offer elements: A) Varied menu of study support and activities. B) Family learning. C) Parenting support.

4 Other considerations

4.1 None

5 Recommendation(s)

5.1 That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services approves the grant applications totalling £133,931 to organisations within Hampshire.

5.2

* Extended Services applications

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:

Links to the Corporate Strategy

IMPACT ASSESSMENTS:

1. Equalities Impact Assessment:

5.3 Please refer to attached document.

6 Impact on Crime and Disorder:

6.1 N/A

Details of grant applications

County Wide Services:

The following projects (paragraphs 1 to 4) provide services that cover more than one of Hampshire's Districts.

1. Hampshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs

Young Farmers Clubs seek to meet the needs of young people through educational training and social programmes which encourage community involvement and concern for our environment. The organisation is member led and aims to deliver excellent services for all young people with an interest in the countryside, wherever they live and whatever their background. Funding is sought to continue the County Administrators Role for the support and development of the Federation. This will enable them to provide a link to clubs, encouraging educational and recreational programmes, to provide support to clubs at local level and to achieve their main outcomes.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA5 (Improve the life chances of 16-19 year olds at risk of under achievement), LAA7 (Safeguarding children), LAA8 (Educational attainment), CYP4 (Ensuring that children and young people are safe and feel safe, enabling them to build resilience and personal confidence), CYP2 (Securing children and young people's physical, spiritual, social, emotional and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing inequalities), CYP6 (Removing barriers to access, participation and achievement, and not tolerating discrimination and abuse)

A grant of £6,000 is recommended.

2. Ocean Youth Trust South - Hampshire Bursaries

Ocean Youth Trust South offers personal development through adventure under sail to young people aged 12-25 from a wide range of backgrounds; the majority of whom are vulnerable or disadvantaged in some way. Working with five partner organisations engaged in long-term programmes of support for young people, to coordinate referrals, the organisation is seeking bursaries for 20 young people to take voyages to enable them to specifically target young carers and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who would never otherwise have the opportunity to sail. Funding will pay for bursaries for 20 young people in Hampshire and a proportion of administration costs.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA8 (Educational attainment), LAA5 (Improve the life chances of 16-19 year olds at risk of under achievement),

CYP5 (Providing vocational, leisure and recreational activities that provide opportunities for children and young people to experience success and make a positive contribution), CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations), CYP6 (Removing barriers to access, participation and achievement, and not tolerating discrimination and abuse)

A grant of £6,000 is recommended.

3. Be Your Best Foundation - Hampshire Rock challenge

The project aims to produce a drug-misuse and crime prevention initiative in form of performing arts competition for young people with a focus on young people leading healthy lifestyles and having fun without need for tobacco, alcohol or any other substance. It provides a unique opportunity for young people to acquire new skills e.g. building sets, making costumes. The process culminates in schools coming together in professional theatre venue where they will experience working with professional stage and production staff, rehearsing in front of their peers and supporting one another. The project supports the 5 main outcomes of Every Child Matters. Funding is sought to cover the costs associated with hiring Portsmouth and Southampton Guildhalls for live events.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA5 (Improve the life chances of 16-19 year olds at risk of under achievement), LAA8 (Educational attainment), CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations), CYP2 (Securing children and young people's physical, spiritual, social, emotional and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing inequalities), CYP5 (Providing vocational, leisure and recreational activities that provide opportunities for children and young people to experience success and make a positive contribution)

A grant of £10,000 is recommended.

4. Dreamwall - Timeout

This organisation provides a bespoke social and emotional development programme in partnership with Hampshire Post Adoption Service, to improve the placement stability of established and recent adoption moves. The project is to work closely with the adopted parents and the adoptee to provide four residential programmes between November 2009 - March 2010. Funding is sought for all associated staff costs, transport, and specialist equipment and all co-ordination between families, carers and the post adoption service as well as all home visits as required.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental and emotional health), LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA6 (Improve services for children in our care and on the edge of care including placement, stability and choice), CYP2 (Securing children and young people's physical, spiritual, social, emotional, and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing inequalities), CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young peoples aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations), CYP4 (Ensuring that children and young people are safe and feel safe, enabling them to build resilience and personal confidence)

A grant of £11,000 is recommended.

District allocations:

East Hants:

5. East Meon Primary School - Club East Meon

This locally well respected club seeks funding to enable them to continue running after school activities for pupils based at East Meon School including art, outdoor games, computer, cross stitch, choir, recorders and gardening clubs. Grant funding will contribute towards staffing, equipment and administration costs to enable the project to develop longer term sustainability.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA2 (Through a range of preventative services reduce childhood obesity), LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental and emotional health), CYP1 (Reducing the incidence and impact of poverty on the achievement and life chances of children and young people), CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations), CYP4 (Ensuring that children and young people are safe and feel safe, enabling them to build resilience and personal confidence)

A grant of £6,105 is recommended.

Gosport:

6. Rowner, Bridgemary and Lee Youth Ministry - Wednesday night and Saturday Morning Clubs

As part of the Rowner Bridgemary and Lee Youth Ministry establish a Wednesday night 7-9pm club for 11-18yrs and a Saturday morning 10-12-30pm for 8-16yrs old.

To offer choice and alternative activities for young people already attending Royal Sailors Rest (RSR) youth group that will be closing in summer 2010. The project seeks to build young people's confidence and social skills, to highlight the positive and good aspects of our current youth culture, enabling them to have a say, participate and be involved in all that affects them. To show that not all young people are as portrayed in the media and to break sown barriers within communities to allow intergenerational relationships to grow for the mutual benefit of all. Funding is sought to contribute towards the salary of two part time youth workers, training for staff and volunteers as well as equipment and resources, such as games console, arts and crafts materials, sports equipment and subsidised trips out.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA7 (Safeguarding children), LAA5 (Improve the life chances of 16-19 year olds at risk of under achievement), LAA8 (Educational attainment), CYP4 (Ensuring that children and young people are safe and feel safe, enabling them to build resilience and personal confidence), CYP5 (Providing vocational, leisure and recreational activities that provide opportunities for children and young people to experience success and make a positive contribution), CYP6 (Removing barriers to access, participation and achievement, and not tolerating discrimination and abuse)

A grant of £7,680 is recommended.

7. Motiv 8 Gosport - Forton Youth

The organisation engages with young people and supports them to access better life chances to reduce offending, antisocial behaviour and the risk of school exclusion. The project will provide individual and group support for vulnerable young people aged 13-19yrs in Gosport. The programme offers young people opportunities to take part in activity sessions, 1:1 mentoring and additional activities e.g. outdoor activities and residentials. Project works to reduce youth offending, anti social behaviour and risk of school exclusion. Provision of a Youth Inclusion Programme style of delivery based on Forton, Elson and Seafield area will benefit up to 76 targeted young people between 13-19 plus a further 38 young people accessing activities only. Funding is sought for a proportion of total project costs including salary and running costs.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA9 (Reduce the number of first time entrants to the youth justice system), LAA5 (Improve the life chances of 16-19 year olds at risk of under achievement), LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations),

CYP4 (Ensuring that children and young people are safe and feel safe, enabling them to build resilience and personal confidence), CYP5 (Providing vocational, leisure and recreational activities that provide opportunities for children and young people to experience success and make a positive contribution)

A grant of £7,500 is recommended.

8. Felicia Park Urban Community Farm - The farm that cares and shares

Felicia Park is a voluntary sector organisation which has been running for 26 years. They provide placements and programmes for young people, referred by schools and also opportunities for young people signposted by other agencies and organisations, to work with animals enabling young people from all backgrounds and capabilities to enjoy, learn and be supported. With a qualified assessor they can provide learning outcomes and bespoke programmes for young people ranging from 1:1 mentoring to countryside educational visits and special day programmes for groups. The farm has strong links with local schools and community groups. They are seeking funds to contribute to core costs so they can accept referrals from agencies and contribute to running costs from September - March 2010.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental and emotional health), LAA5 (Improve the life chances of 16-19 year olds at risk of under achievement), CYP4 (Ensuring that children and young people are safe and feel safe, enabling them to build resilience and personal confidence), CYP2 (Securing children and young people's physical, spiritual, social, emotional and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing inequalities), CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations)

A grant of £9,500 is recommended.

9. The Prince's Trust - Get Started

The Prince's Trust works with disadvantaged young people to overcome barriers and get their lives working. They provide diverse and innovative solutions to young people who would otherwise not have the opportunity to succeed. The project is to deliver the Get Started programme to 10 disadvantaged young people aged 16-19 from Gosport. The priority groups will be; underachievers, those in or leaving care, offenders /ex-offenders, unemployed young people. Get Started is a short, flexible programme using sport to inspire young people to take the first step to increase their confidence, skills and employability and to overcome their barriers.

The programme includes various workshops and activities including: first aid; healthy living and fitness tests and completion awards. Funding is sought to pay for coaches, equipment, staffing and premises.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA5 (Improve the life chances of 16-19 year olds at risk of under achievement), LAA9 (Reduce the number of first time entrants to the youth justice system), CYP5 (Providing vocational, leisure and recreational activities that provide opportunities for children and young people to experience success and make a positive contribution), CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations),CYP6 (Removing barriers to access, participation and achievement, and not tolerating discrimination and abuse)

A grant of £10,500 is recommended.

Extended Services

District allocations:

Basingstoke:

10. Relate Basingstoke and Deane - Extended Schools Project

Relate Services for Young People and Families provides support, in a safe and secure environment, at the time of family contact. There is high demand but there is evidence there are difficulties for some young people and families accessing the service. Relate wish to take their service into the extended schools in order to provide timely support in the education setting. The project is to pilot family/young peoples counselling in two extended schools during the period October 2009 - March 2010. Young people excluded from school can be seen with their family at the Relate centre or approved outpost. Parents can be supported at times of conflict. Funding is sought to enable Relate to increase its services for young people and families.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental and emotional health), LAA7 (Safeguarding children), LAA5 (Improve the life chances of 16-19 year olds at risk of under achievement), CYP2 (Securing children and young people's physical, spiritual, social, emotional and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing inequalities) CYP1 (Reducing the incidence and impact of poverty on the achievement and life chances of children and young people), CYP4 (Ensuring that children and young people are safe and feel safe, enabling them to build resilience and personal confidence)

A grant of £5,000 is recommended.

East Hants:

11. Phoenix Theatre - After School Drama Club

Phoenix Theatre seeks to continue running weekly after school activity club for ten week terms per year to provide an enjoyable yet educational drama club in a safe environment to children of all backgrounds and abilities. Currently operating in seven schools but hope to develop into another four schools. Funding will cover staff costs, training, equipment, admin, project management, monitoring and evaluation.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental and emotional health), LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA7 (Safeguarding children), CYP5 (Providing vocational, leisure and recreational activities that provide opportunities for children and young people to experience success and make a positive contribution), CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations),CYP2 (Securing children and young people's physical, spiritual, social, emotional and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing inequalities)

A grant of £16,700 is recommended

Eastleigh:

12. Soco Music - My Music @ Hamble

Soco Music seeks to provide exciting and engaging music based after school activities for up to thirty young people, based around the music they like. Project aims to improve confidence and communication through group work, collaboration and examining the creative process. Sessions will include music history, theory and practice. Activities will also include song writing and performance, technology and art work therefore something for all with differing abilities and skills. Participants will be encouraged to perform and share their work to a level they are comfortable with. Funding is required to cover staff costs, administration, recording and evaluation of the project, two Music media workstations for use throughout the project, and materials.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA8 (Educational attainment), LAA1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental and emotional health), CYP1 (Reducing the incidence and impact of poverty on the achievement and life chances of children and young people)

CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations), CYP5 (Providing vocational, leisure and recreational activities that provide opportunities for children and young people to experience success and make a positive contribution)

A grant of £8,140 is recommended.

Hart:

13. Fleet and Crookham Churches Together in Schools - Court Moor Youth/ Study Club

The project is to amalgamate two existing clubs to provide an after school youth/club for students at Court Moor School in partnership with the school, Youth Service students and other volunteer organisations. This new club would be open access for the new incoming year 7 students and targeted year 8 hard to reach students. Funding is sought for three workers for 3 hours week over 3 school terms, plus £5 week achievement based incentives for students, and activity, equipment and games to support club costs.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental and emotional health), LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA8 (Educational attainment), CYP2 (Securing children and young people's physical, spiritual, social, emotional and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing inequalities), CYP4 (Ensuring that children and young people are safe and feel safe, enabling them to build resilience and personal confidence), CYP5 (Providing vocational, leisure and recreational activities that provide opportunities for children and young people to experience success and make a positive contribution)

A grant of £5,900 is recommended.

Havant:

14. Relate Portsmouth & District - Learn and Thrive

Relate's role is to help people build better relationships; helping adults and children thrive in families where relationships are positive and free from conflict. The project is to provide an early intervention relationship support service for vulnerable families, parents/carers and young people. It is aimed at proactive prevention of failure at school, to ensure that every child has an opportunity to develop to their full potential. The service will provide focused support on smaller issues the client presents before escalating and requiring more intensive support from other agencies.

One family counsellor will be assigned to a cluster of schools. Funding is required for a fully qualified family counsellor, administration, travel, clinical supervision, marketing, continuing professional development, management and over heads, room hire.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental and emotional health), LAA7 (Safeguarding children), LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), CYP2 (Securing children and young people's physical, spiritual, social, emotional and mental health, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing inequalities), CYP4 (Ensuring that children and young people are safe and feel safe, enabling them to build resilience and personal confidence), CYP1 (Reducing the incidence and impact of poverty on the achievement and life chances of children and young people)

A grant of £6,500 is recommended.

New Forest:

15. The Forest Bus Ltd - Healthy Living & Lifestyles

The organisation delivers a range of preventative services to children, young people and their families living in rural areas disadvantaged by poverty and isolation. The project aims to work with Gypsy and Traveller communities to provide healthy living programmes for children and young people to learn and explore issues around nutrition and exercise, budgeting, health and hygiene, negative outcomes to poor eating and lifestyle, signposting to 'Fit For Life' and supporting families in developing healthier lifestyles. The project will particularly target young people who are not in school due to lifestyle, exclusion and or cultural beliefs. Funding is required for staffing and project work, resources for cooking, materials and literature to promote the work and inform communities.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA2 (Through a range of preventative services reduce childhood obesity), LAA1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental and emotional health), LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), CYP1 (Reducing the incidence and impact of poverty on the achievement and life chances of children and young people), CYP3 (Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations), CYP6 (Removing barriers to access, participation and achievement, and not tolerating discrimination and abuse)

A grant of £12,406 is recommended.

Winchester

16. Relate Winchester & District - Young People's and Family Support Service

This project will provide a service designed to meet the needs of families, parents/ carers, and young people. The project is aimed at providing a proactive prevention of failure at school, provide support for vulnerable young people at risk of exclusion and for those who are already excluded. A family counsellor will be assigned to the cluster of schools already receiving the service, referrals will come via the schools within that cluster via the schools nominated Family Support Advisor. Sessions will be delivered in the school that the young person attends. In the case of excluded young people/ children, sessions will be offered at suitable and appropriate venues. The funding will pay for maintaining and expanding current service of counselling in a cluster of schools in accordance with Supporting Extended Services Partnership Activities. Target level of support: Continued 60 hours of family counselling from September 2009 - March 2010 ( term time only), To provide 20 hours additional family and young people counselling.

The main priorities of this project are: LAA 1 (Through a range of preventative services improve mental health and emotional health), LAA4 (Close the gap between the achievements and life chances of the most vulnerable children and young people and the majority of Hampshire CYP), LAA8 (Educational attainment), CYP1 (Reducing the incidence and impact of poverty on the achievement and life chances of children and young people), CYP2 (Securing children and young people's physical, spiritual, social, emotional and mental health, promoting healthy life styles and reducing inequalities), CYP3 ( Providing opportunities to learn that raise children and young people's aspirations, encourage excellence and enable them to enjoy and achieve beyond their expectations)

A grant of £5,000 is recommended.