Kirklees Council has £1 million to invest in improving youth services and grant applications are open until the end of May.

The council is welcoming funding applications from local groups under its Our Space initiative.

Our Space will enhance current facilities used by groups who provide a safe place for children and young people to visit, meet friends, make friends, access support and take part in a wide range of high-quality activities.

Our Space grant applications have opened for voluntary, community, social enterprise or youth sector organisations who currently provide youth services in Kirklees for 13 to 19-year-olds (or up to 25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities).

Mel Meggs, strategic director for children’s services, said: “Our Space will transform youth provision in Kirklees. It will mean every child and young person from the age of 13 can access a safe place and a range of activities and support.

“This is an exciting project which is going to have a huge impact on communities across Kirklees. The council’s investment of around £1 million highlights our commitment to making a lasting, long-term difference.

“We are delighted to be working with partner organisations who have been key to developing the Our Space programme and will help us to ensure it’s a great success.

“Together, our aim is for all our children and young people to feel safe and included, to make new friends and to have brilliant experiences.

“Individual grants can range from £10,000 to £75,000 and we want to hear from all those organisations who can not only meet local needs but also enhance youth facilities in Kirklees.

“We value the role of every group who work alongside us and support children and young people to enjoy the best start in life.”

The Our Space concept was originally developed by a range of partners, while funding for the programme was agreed by members of Kirklees Cabinet – the council’s main decision making body – in late 2021.

Families and young people are involved in developing the project and students at Kirklees College have supported the design of branding.

As part of the project, the council is exploring mobile youth services to reach young people in the most rural areas, as well as removing barriers so that those from marginalised groups – such as people with special educational needs and disabilities – are supported to attend.

It is planned that two new Our Space venues, one in Huddersfield and one in North Kirklees, could be provided at a later date with further investment.

For details about the grant applications, please visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/funding

The partner organisations involved in Our Space are: C+K Careers Ltd, Kirklees Active Leisure, Kirklees Youth Alliance, Kirklees College, Conscious Youth, West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Locala, Yorkshire Children’s Centre and Pivot Education.