YOUNG people in Bridgwater will gather once again next month to discuss town matters affecting them - and to help award some much-needed financial help.

Bridgwater Town Council has a budget of £15,000 for ‘Youth Grants’, which are allocated by members of the Youth Forum and recommended to the town clerk for a decision.

But for the past 18 months the group has been suspended due to Covid-19.

However, now the council is fully functioning, the Youth Forum has been recalled to coincide with the start of the new school year.

Youth Portfolio Holder at the town council, Cllr Julie Cordiner (Labour, Victoria), has set a meeting for October 22 and is now calling on groups in the town to apply for a share of this year’s money.

“It has been a difficult time during Covid because we couldn’t hold face to face meetings and then we couldn’t transfer to Zoom because of safeguarding issues," she said.

"However, I have now contacted all the schools and we are pleased to see the Youth Forum up and running again.”

The aim of the Youth Grant is to highlight youth provision in the town of Bridgwater, to add value to existing providers and to encourage new and additional initiatives.

The target age range is agreed at 11-18 and the amount per applicant will not normally exceed £500, however, applications for more funding will be considered.

The Bridgwater Youth Forum comprises delegates from each of the town's four secondary schools and from Bridgwater & Taunton College.

Groups must submit their applications for a grant before October 22, 2021.

Those interested in applying for funding - and in viewing the full terms and conditions - can download a grant application form at https://bridgwater-tc.gov.uk/council/grants.

For further information, contact town clerk David Mears via townclerk@bridgwater-tc.gov.uk