Extra funding to help young people reach potential

JCF's CEO says the fund creates "a level playing field for everyone in Jersey"

A fund for providing young people with tools, skills and experiences to help them "reach their potential" has received additional donations.

The Social Mobility Fund, which was launched in February by the Jersey Communication Foundation (JCF), had provided grants of more than £23,000 to six projects.

Social mobility is the ability to change social and economic circumstances through education, employment and access to opportunity, according to the charity - giving more young people opportunities they may not usually have.

JCF CEO Anna Terry said the fund would create "a level playing field for everyone in Jersey".

She said: "We know that opportunity should not depend on the family you are born into, the school you attend, or the area you live in, but unfortunately this is too often the case.

"Issues such as the cost-of-living pressures being felt by families, selective school systems and the changing job market can really affect a person's chances to reach their full potential, through no fault of their own."

Beneficiaries currently include the Jersey Basketball Association, ArtHouse Jersey and Samares School. New funding, which closes on 31 October, will provide grants ranging from £500 to £10,000 for registered charities and local schools.

Projects eligible include after-school or holiday programmes, creative arts initiatives, mentoring schemes, skills training and supported work placements.