Multiple charities which help young people across the Bailiwick have been given thousands of pounds each from the Social Investment Fund Guernsey.
Last year’s grants totalled £138,000 with the money going to causes specifically focused on children and young people.
This included £14,403 for the Youth Commission to create a new skatepark at the former St Andrew’s Primary School.
£10,000 went to the Guernsey Sports Commission in partnership with Up Climbing to launch a Community Climbing Project for children from 3-7 years as well as individuals with special educational needs and disabilities.
Action for Children received £70,000 to support its work delivering programmes supporting young people at risk of homelessness either due to leaving care, or from other pressures and needs.
Other projects supported include Alderney Rugby Football Union Club, Guernsey Netball Association, Guernsey Sports Commission, Guernsey Football Association Youth Council, and Guernsey Child Contact Centre. They received between £3,000 and £16,000 each to pay for staffing costs and other charges.
The SIF money comes from the profits raised by the Channel Islands Lottery.
Sadie Siviter de Paucar from SIF said: “A combination of the increase in the cost of living, the long school summer holidays and activity costs can put pressure on carers as well as charities and groups that provide activities and support for our young Islanders. We know that being mentally and physically active and connecting with other young people is vital for well-being and self-esteem but the organisations we help fund provide more than just that. They often provide safe places for young people to gather and access to trained adults who can support them or signpost other organisations who can help. This also helps takes the strain off parents who are working hard to provide for their families. Without this funding many young people would certainly not be able to access such a wide range of services and we are proud to be able to help safeguard the future of our island community.”
Jon Taylor, Head of Lottery, said: “It’s important that our residents know that the proceeds of the Channel Islands Lottery are funnelled right back into the community through the work of our partners like the Social Investment Fund. SIF are able to ensure that the money is spent wisely, in a timely fashion and in exactly the right places that can get to the heart of the issues affecting our communities right now, and highlighting the excellent work that they do will hopefully encourage more organisations to come forward for grants in the future.”