Council launches Youth Opportunities Grant funding for 2026-27

Cheshire West and Chester Council have announced that applications for the Youth Opportunities Grant funding 2026-27 are now being accepted until 29th May 2026.

The Youth Opportunities Grant offers voluntary and community organisations, charities and other groups, the chance to provide opportunities for children and young people who live in the Cheshire West and Chester borough and to really make a difference.

Innovative and distinctive applications are being encouraged, that respond to emerging needs and priorities identified through local and national strategies, including the Make Your Mark! Youth Parliament Survey, while delivering positive outcomes that support Council priorities and the newly launched Youth Strategy 2026–30.

Providers are being asked to look at the following areas, highlighted by young people, when composing an application:

• Supporting children and young people who have mental health needs and work to improve their general wellbeing with early intervention, safe spaces, and nature-based activities, supporting every young person’s emotional resilience.
• Improving self-esteem by addressing issues with body image, social acceptance, and social presence, with services that celebrate difference and ensure every young person feels safe, accepted, and seen.
• Increasing connectivity and sense of belonging (both physical and digital and fostering connection, creativity, and confidence
• Reducing youth crime, hate crime and youth violence through the delivery of educational programmes.
• Reducing risk-taking behaviour, this could include but is not restricted to using street drugs such as ketamine, cannabis, cocaine, vaping and alcohol use, engaging in county lines activity and being linked to gangs and ASB locally.
• Encouraging appropriate relationships, ensuring young people are free from abuse and helping them understand what a good relationship is by offering support education and advice.
• Supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families to have inclusive opportunities and meet their needs.
• Showing that careers, education, and life skills are accessible to all, raising aspirations and preparing young people for a positive future.
   

Interested organisations can apply for up to £5000 to deliver programmes for children and young people who are resident in the Cheshire West and Chester borough. Projects should last no longer than two years. Applications are reviewed by an evaluation board made up of representatives from the Youth Senate and Cheshire West and Chester Council. The Youth Senate holds the majority vote, ensuring that the voices of young people are at the heart of this funding.  

Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said:

“I hope that there will be a lot of interest from organisations across the borough who would like to be involved with this fantastic project.  It is a brilliant opportunity to make a difference in some of these priority areas that young people have told us really matter to them. I look forward to seeing the progress of the successful applications over the coming 12 months, and the impact they have on young people in our borough.”

Applications can be made on the following link: 

Youth Opportunities Grant 2026-27 – Fill in form.

The closing date is 29th May 2026.