Hywel Francis

Labour Party | Aberavon

Local MP Encourages Young People in Aberavon to bid for a Save the Children ‘Here to Help’ award

Aberavon MP, Dr Hywel Francis, has encouraged young people in the Aberavon Constituency to apply for a Save the Children ‘Here to Help’ award, funded by British Gas. Awards of up to £1000 are available as well as a small number of grants of up to £3000 that young people can apply for to improve something in their community.

Save the Children and British Gas created the ‘Here to Help’ awards to get young people involved in dynamic and lasting community projects. So far the awards, which have been running for nearly two years, have had a positive impact on the lives of over 10,000 children in England, Scotland and Wales.

Dr Francis said,

“This is a great opportunity for young people with ideas to improve their local area. If you are a young person who knows of a real need in your community and has a great idea you should apply for an award.”

Save the Children recognises that the health, education and protection of children and young people are vital in today’s society. So the charity is looking to award £1000 for projects that help address one or more of these issues.

For the £3000 awards, the charity is specifically looking for project ideas with a clear aim of benefiting the most disadvantaged or marginalised in society. Poor children have less chance of living in adequate housing and getting access to basic services like healthcare and education, and they are more likely to suffer from social discrimination and exclusion. Save the Children wants to help children and young people to be active partners in tackling poverty in their communities.

Hannah Couch, Save the Childrens ‘Here to Help’ Project Manager, said,

“Here to Help is a fantastic opportunity that allows children from a variety of different backgrounds to get involved in projects led by themselves that benefit the community in which they live.”

Applications for the awards need to be received by 23rd March 2007. Anyone who is interested in making an application or who wants more information can visit the ‘Here to Help’ website at www.helpyourselves.org.uk.