Life in Salford 30 • August 2020 32
Boost4Youth an Boost4Youth Salix Homes is calling for local teens to join a youth panel and encouraging local projects and individuals to apply for a slice of £10,000 in funding. The Salford-based housing association is on the hunt for young people aged between 14 to 21 to be part of an independent decision-making youth panel, Boost4Youth. The panel, which is in its second year, aims to give people under the age of 21 in Salford, the opportunity to act as a voice for their fellow teens. They also make decisions on what local projects and individuals to award a share of a £10,000 funding pot. Each donation is typically limited to £500, however this year, to celebrate Salix Home’s fifth anniversary since it transferred from Salford City Council, five applications will be granted an increased donation of £1000 each. The remaining £5,000 will be split amongst successful smaller projects. Jeanette Green, neighbourhood manager and manager of the Boost4Youth initiative at Salix Homes, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing back our Boost4Youth panel this year. We had some exceptional members in last year’s panel who made a real difference to their local communities and the addition of larger funding this time around means that the new panel can do even more this year to make a real difference.” Once chosen, the talented teens will meet monthly to review funding applications from a variety of local
projects and individuals as well as being given the responsibility for managing the £10,000 budget. Last year’s Boost4Youth panel member, Fathiat Abdul-Quadri, 16, said: “The Boost4Youth Panel at Salix Homes is all about the youth of Salford. We have the independence to make things happen, make decisions and shape how things are done. “We’re really excited to be able to help to provide more opportunities for young people. You often hear of teenagers complaining that there’s nothing to do, but this is their opportunity to make a difference and we can’t wait to see what ideas we can support that will benefit the community.” As part of being a panel member, the teens can also be involved in a free training programme which includes learning presentation and negotiation skills, how to work in a team and managing budgets. Jeanette added: “The Boost4Youth training programme not only benefits the panel members in day-to-day life now, but also aims to increase their employment opportunities in the future.” To find out more about the funding or how to apply to the panel if you’re a Salix Homes customer please visit www.salixhomes.co.uk/boost4youth-panel
