£40k sport and culture hardship fund open for applications
Moray Council’s new Sport and Culture Hardship Fund is open for applications after a £40,000 funding boost.
In August 2022, Moray Council allocated £40,000 of Covid Economic Recovery funding to support children and young people under 18 years old to access leisure and recreation opportunities outwith school.
The fund also supports individuals between 18-25 years old to access a training or education course outwith school or further education that can support them into employment or develop key life skills.
Research shows there is an increase in the number of children and young people unable to join sports clubs, music groups, art, culture and digital activities due to financial hardship. Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has the right to relax, play and take part in cultural and artistic activities.
Moray Council’s Sport and Culture Service Manager, Kim Slater, said: “With the cost of living challenges facing our families sport and culture activities are often the first to be dropped as a nice-to-do. This new fund means families may not have to make that choice.
“Young people need to have the ability to develop their personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to the full. The ability to participate in extra-curricular groups or informal leisure opportunities is crucial to a child’s development and this fund will support those experiencing hardship to do that.”
Full details of the Fund, criteria and how to apply can be found on the Moray Council website.