Voluntary groups working with children and young people in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to apply for funding to deliver Yo! events, activities and workshops during the Easter and Summer holidays.

The activities will form part of the Easter and Summer holiday offer to the city’s children and young people and be featured for free on the Yo! Wolves website, which provides information on events and support for young people. 

Applications to the Holiday Activities Fund will be assessed by a panel of youngsters made up of members from local youth groups including the Youth Engagement Strategic Board, Wolverhampton Youth Council, Culture & Diversity Group, HY5, the Children in Care Council and the Local Youth Ambassador Group.

This approach demonstrates a truly joined up approach, enabling young people to help shape events across the city.  

The application process is open until next Friday (11 March) for Easter funding and Friday 3 June for summer funding. Please visit Youth Engagement Strategy for details. Applications are subject to eligibility checks.

The Holiday Activities Fund has helped support many businesses, enabling them to provide fun and engaging activities for children during the school holidays. Holly Parry of Central Youth Theatre said: “The funding we have received has been invaluable as it has enabled us to put on the activities and reach out to a wider demographic of children and families, offering opportunities at affordable costs, and free for families who are eligible for free school meals.”

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It’s fantastic news that we are able to announce further funding for organisations across the city to continue to provide youngsters with a programme of Yo! activities during the Easter and Summer school holidays. 

“We have seen such positive results from our previous holiday programmes, and we want to ensure we keep this momentum going.  

“I would encourage any voluntary organisation in Wolverhampton which provides services to young people to consider applying.”

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, added: “Having fun is a really important part of the learning process and we know that the holiday programme helps entertain, educate and engage our children and young people.  

“With additional funding now available to help deliver events over the Easter and Summer holidays, local organisations should apply for funding as soon as they can.”

Funding is being provided through the Department of Education Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, aimed at helping children who receive benefit related free school meals to access healthy food and activities throughout school holidays.