A Wolverhampton youth group has been given a funding boost thanks to the city's schools transformation programme.

Central Youth Theatre has been awarded £10,000 from the Wolverhampton Local Education Partnership (LEP) to help it deliver creative arts to young people from all backgrounds.

The LEP delivers the city's £270million Building Schools for the Future programme and, as part of that, the Community Fund was set up to support groups in Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton City Council's Community Initiatives Team, advised the theatre of the fund and helped them complete their application.

The theatre applied to the fund stating they wanted to use the money to give young people from deprived backgrounds the chance to join their group. They were awarded the full £10,000 grant available.

Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: "We are delighted to support such a worthy group.

"The theatre has demonstrated that it is committed to delivering arts activities for young people and I am pleased that this funding will enable them to continue.

"Wolverhampton BSF has always been about more than just the bricks and mortar of the new school buildings and the Community Fund was set up to support groups just like Central Youth Theatre."

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "I assured the group that I would support them in their bids for funding and did so on this occasion.

"I am therefore extremely pleased that they have been successful in securing this grant from the LEP to help them continue their work in the city."

In their application, Central Youth Theatre said the aim of the group was to advance the education of young people under the age of 26, living within Wolverhampton in all aspects of drama and theatre production and the development of public appreciation of such art.

Jane Ward, from Central Youth Theatre, said: "Our project offers young people of every background and ability the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the creative arts in an open and safe environment within the City.

"We help them build confidence and skills and empower young people to learn through creative, fun, aspirational projects, workshops and performances.

"The group also provides employment, work experience and volunteering opportunities for young people.

"We are extremely delighted to receive this funding from Wolverhampton LEP which will enable us to carry on this important work."

  • released: Friday 11 April, 2014