Ipswich groups looking to put on activities that "educates, inspires, and brings a sense of belonging" for young people over the summer can apply for grant funding. 

Ipswich Borough Council's Community Safety Partnership has committed a further £9,000 to fund the scheme, with groups able to make bids of up to £1,000 for activities.

Among the conditions is that activities must take place in Ipswich and empower young people with a focus on ways to divert them from crime and violence. 

The partnership is now inviting local community groups and organisations to apply for a grant to organise free activities for young people in August. 

The council is looking for activities that involve learning life skills, developing new hobbies, sports, games and interactive workshops.

This is the second summer that the council is looking to organise this, after having helped nearly 350 people from low-income backgrounds, last year. 

DanceEast also gave free lessons to 35 children during the same time. 

Kate Price, assistant director for communities at Ipswich Borough Council, said they were proud to continue the programme for a second year.

“We hope to have a programme which educates, inspires, and brings a sense of belonging," she added. 

“We look forward to working with the funded organisations and the young people themselves this summer.”

Applications are open until 5pm on Monday 29 April. Successful grant recipients will be required to commit to one or two events as part of an activity programme at the Cornhill in Ipswich town centre on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during August, alongside their other activities. 

More information and guidance for groups within the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to put forward applications for taking part in the scheme is available at: www.ipswich.gov.uk/content/diversionary-activities-funding