Young people focus for new Pot of Gold

The all new Adurs Pot of Gold is focussing on young people for 2015

Adur District Council has reviewed the funding process every year since Pot of Gold began in 2008 to help improve the community.

This year, councillors agreed the focus should be projects that benefit anyone aged under 25.

Consultation officer Sarah Stride, who organises the scheme, said: “We review the applications we have for the Pot of Gold, as well as community applications as a whole. We tweak it every year to be inclusive.

“We felt it needed a shake-up for 2015. It is aimed at those who are under 25 years old, or community groups working for the benefit if under 25 year olds.”

The Pot of Gold money will come from capacity reserve and due to the change of criteria, the amounts available have also altered.

Individuals or groups working with under 25s in the Adur district can apply to the small pot for up to £2,000, or the large pot for projects between £2,001 and £5,000.

Mrs Stride said: “It may not sound much, but £2,000 to £3,000 can make a massive difference to a group, say for example to pay for new crash mats for a gymnastics group.”

Applications opened on Monday and the deadline is February 2, 2015. People can choose to submit a short video in support of their application

All project ideas must be focussed on one of the key themes, which are stay safe, be healthy, enjoy and achieve, achieve economic wellbeing, and make a positive contribution.

Mrs Stride added: “All projects must promote a positive image of young people in Adur.”

All bids will go before a cross party panel in early February, then the annual Pot of Gold live event will be held on Thursday, April 9. Projects ideas will be presented to a live voting audience, made up of young people, supporters of the bids and a panel of judges from the Adur cabinet. All the projects chosen then go before full council on Thursday, April 16, 2015 for agreement before the funding is released.

More information is available at www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/pot-of-gold, or speak to Sarah Stride on 01903 221109, or email [email protected]