Foyle Youth Bank

Foyle YouthBank is part of a UK-wide initiative, administered in Northern Ireland by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. Under the programme, young people are recruited to local grant-making committees with responsibility for distributing funding to youth-led projects with a focus on active citizenship. Grants given by YouthBank are usually between £50 - £1000.

St. Columb's Park House was selected as a local partner to establish a YouthBank in the Derry City Council area, and the programme was launched in November 2001.



There are currently twelve young people on the Foyle YouthBank committee. They are broadly representative of the local population, and most are active members of other youth, community or political organisations. They have carried out research into the needs of local young people, in order to establish their funding priorities. They received £30,000 from Comic Relief to disperse as grant-aid.



They design their own publicity material, write press releases, take part in radio and local TV interviews, and organise public information events about the programme. The committee members, in pairs, conduct appraisal interviews with the groups applying for funding, and then make decisions as a full committee. All the projects that receive grants are led by young people, and create opportunities for young people to make a positive impact. Students can also receive accreditated units towards an Open College module on grant making.

Some projects in the past have included:
• The production of a video addressing underaged drinking;
• The creation of a course examining sectarian myths, symbols, and politics for young people;
• A colour booklet for secondary school students on sexual health;
• A digital storytelling project on mental health and young people.

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Relevant Links:

www.youthbank.org.uk
www.youthbank.org.uk/FOYLE

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