Up to £250 grants to support young people with the cost of living

The Kensington and Chelsea Youth Council has once again launched its Cost of Living Grants to help young people facing financial hardship. 

The grant provides up to £250 to individuals aged 11 to 19 who live, study, or work in Kensington and Chelsea. Care leavers and those with special educational needs or disabilities are also eligible, with an extended age limit of 25.

The grants will be allocated via a group of Youth Fund Assessors, a group of trained young people responsible for ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of the grant money.

The grants, funded by the borough's Youth Participation Fund, can be used for various expenses, including food, hygiene products, study equipment, school fares and meals, and travel. Applicants must explain how the grant will benefit their future as part of their application. The grant money is distributed through One4All vouchers, Sainsbury's vouchers, direct payments to school uniform suppliers, and/or Oyster card credit.

Cllr Sarah Addenbrooke, Lead Member for Communities and Community Safety, said: “As adults and parents feel the pinch from the rising cost of living, this too is felt by our local young people. With the cost of school supplies, travel, food and toiletries all increasing, we hope this fund will help take the edge of some of the expenses that face young people, in turn helping families across the borough.

The fund is a testament to our commitment of being a caring Council. By providing these vouchers, we aim to reduce financial barriers and empower young people to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals."

Last year, the same scheme saw £40,000 distributed in vouchers to the borough’s young people, with parents and children expressing their gratitude upon receiving their grant.

Erfan Zareniam, aged 16, said: “The grant will help me pay for school supplies as I go into year 12. There’s a lot that I have to buy and this will help me afford the things I need.”

Amy Chuang, mother of Rosslyn, aged 17, said: “I know how difficult it can be with money right now. Parents are struggling and so are young people. This gives them the autonomy to start spending and budgeting for their own supplies and needs.”

A total fund of £40,000 is available and applications are open until Sunday 17 November 2024.

To find out more, visit the Youth Council Cost of Living Grants page.