Charity and community organisations tackling youth loneliness across England can now apply to the Co-op Foundation for a share of £2m.
The Co-op Foundation, the Co-op Group’s charity, launched the fund to help organisations explore youth loneliness in greater depth, test youth-led innovations within their existing provision, and share their learning as part of the Foundation’s national ‘Belong’ network.
Grants of up to £80,000 are available, targeted at organisations supporting young people in more deprived areas or with specific circumstances that increase the risk of loneliness.
The launch of the fund is part of the wider £11.5m Building Connections Fund, announced in June by Theresa May and Tracey Crouch, the lead minister for tackling loneliness. The youth-specific strand includes £1m match funding from both government and the Co-op Foundation, the leading funder of projects tackling youth loneliness in the UK.
Ms Crouch said: “We know that many young people struggle with feelings of isolation. This fund will support new ways to tackle youth loneliness, reduce stigma and make a real difference to the lives of young people across the country.”
Jim Cooke, head of the Co-op Foundation, said: “People can feel lonely at any age, with research showing young people are particularly affected. The youth strand of the Building Connections Fund will help bring young people together to come up with innovative solutions to tackling loneliness while also building their confidence and skills to strengthen their connections and sense of belonging.
“We look forward to receiving applications from organisations across England looking to explore youth loneliness in greater depth and share their learning with partners nationwide.”
Guidance for applicants and eligibility criteria can be found on the Co-op Foundation’s website. Applications will close on Wednesday 26 September.
