Youth Bank open for applications

Fermanagh Youth Bank is open for application. 14 local apprentices are becoming grant makers and distributing funds to small scale community projects.

Members have undertaken research and identified the key priorities for Fermanagh’s young people. They are inviting applications from individuals or groups, aged 11-25, for projects involving training and services for suicide awareness, improvement in services for the LGBT community, cross community residential programmes and the development of disability sports activity in rural areas.

If you’ve ever wanted to do something about an issue that affects young people or your local community or of you have an idea for activity or project that would make a difference for others then click here to download an application form.

The Fermanagh Trust established the Youth Bank in 2009 working in partnership Youth Action NI to build leadership, allocate resources to youth based initiatives, meet real community need and tackle issues of direct importance to the young grant makers.

Youth Bank member Cahal Smyth said “I’m excited to be working with Youth Bank; I think it’s a great idea. This is the first group I have heard of which actually gives grants specifically towards young people’s needs. Through Youth Bank I hope to achieve an understanding of what the steps and procedures are when giving out grants. Youth Bank will not only teach me the role of grant making but also what issues are affecting young people in the local communities.”

Hannah Reihill, another Youth Bank member added “I’m looking forward to getting the applications in and helping make the decision on where this money goes to. I’m sure we are going to see a number of great ideas to help make a difference for young people here."

Following a full training programme delivered in partnership with the Fermanagh Trust, the Youth Bank will get down to the serious business of making decisions about community priorities and needs, looking at ways of having an impact on young people and delivering much needed grants benefitting local groups, while building the members skill set and experience.

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust said “We are delighted to once again support Youth Bank. This is a great opportunity for these young people to develop a range of skills and experience and of course help make a positive impact within Fermanagh. What’s great is that this is a youth led initiative. They are the grant makers; they have active involvement in the programme, the planning and addressing the key needs for Fermanagh’s young people.”