Council cash helps disabled youngsters go for awards

11.54.53am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th Jun 2007

A group of disabled teenagers are going for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards thanks to cash from a Richmond Council fund supporting projects for young people.

Nine youngsters aged 14 to 18 have already started the programme following a £13,000 grant from Pounds 4 Young People, a special fund set up by the Council and Youth Opportunities Fund. Under the initiative, a panel of young people decide which bids are successful and how the money will be allocated. The latest grant is being used to provide specialist facilities and support for the youngsters who all have learning disabilities, autism or genetic disorders. They are currently working towards their bronze award and enjoyed their first session in May, a team orienteering exercise in Kew during which the young people learnt map-reading and teamwork skills under the supervision of Council staff.

Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said:??"Improving provision for teenagers is one of the Council's key priorities and Pounds 4 Young People is at the forefront of this commitment. Young people decide where the money goes to ensure it is used for projects and activities that meet their needs and expectations. Every year hundreds of young people in our borough enrol in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and it is absolutely right that those with disabilities are also able to do so. The money will, for example, buy equipment for young people with mobility needs and so increase the equality of provision for teenagers in our borough. I would like to wish all those taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme the best of luck in their efforts."