The National Express Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2023 funding programme.

The Foundation was created following the public order disturbances in July 2011, which highlighted the issues facing young people living in inner-city areas. The disturbances involved a disproportionate number of people in the 15-24 year age group, with unemployment, boredom and lack of motivation all cited as factors. More than ten years on, these factors are still as relevant now as they were when the Foundation launched.

Young people across the UK are also facing new challenges, particularly those associated with daily living. The cost of living has increased, key youth services, such as local community centres, continue to reduce in numbers, and the consequences of the pandemic and reduced social interaction and education are still being felt by young people, particularly from a wellbeing perspective.

To help groups that support young people continue to build back from the pandemic, the trustees of the Foundation have chose to use its 2023 funding round to support initiatives which fit into one or more of the following funding themes.

-Diversionary Activities. Initiatives that specifically focus on engaging with young people, providing them support and detering anti-social behaviour.

-Environmental. Initiatives could include but are not limited to: encouraging young people to engage with the outdoors, initiatives that support the environment and involve youth groups

-Employability. Initiatives that directly or indirectly equip young people with skills, experience or qualifications that will support them gaining access to employment.

-Wellbeing. Initiatives that positively impact or provide support to young people through: physical activity, mental health and/ or social interaction.

Applications are invited for projects which groups will begin to deliver in the third quarter of 2023.

To find out more information, including how to apply, visit: National Express Foundation | (nationalexpressgroup.com)