£3.6m scheme to keep children out of trouble

A £3.6 million Government grant to Bolton Council has created the Children's Fund, aimed at improving the lives of five to 13-year-olds.

The fund will offer help to families at an early stage -- not just when they reach a crisis -- through a wide range of projects.

As reported in the BEN, Bolton is one of only 40 areas in England to have been given money from the fund in the first wave of grants. The council has drawn up a "Programme and a Partnership for Bolton", working with voluntary groups, residents, young people, youth groups and other agencies on how best to spend the money.

The partnership will support parents and families, helping children when they change schools and introducing "early warning" measures to prevent them getting involved in drugs and crime.

Support will be given to isolated and vulnerable groups and people; children and young people will be involved in the scheme; counselling, monitoring and listening services will be developed; services out of hours will be provided; and resources will be targeted better to avoid gaps in services.

The money has been allocated for three years and the first year programme will get under way shortly.

Detailed plans are being put together for the next two years and groups across the range of children's services and activities will be involved in the process.

John Baumber, chairman of the Bolton Children's Fund Interim Partnership and headteacher of Rivington and Blackrod High School, said: "Our plan has been approved by the Government as a Band A area in the top eight.

"The Government has praised the way we have put the plan together, in particular the way that we have consulted as many people as possible, and the broad involvement in the Partnership.

"Now the hard work begins in ensuring the plan is successful and that the lives of children in Bolton are improved."

More details on the Children's Fund in Bolton is available from Carol James on Bolton 333333, ext 4157. A SCHEME to stop Bolton children falling through the trapdoor into trouble is about to get under way.

A £3.6 million Government grant to Bolton Council has created the Children's Fund, aimed at improving the lives of five to 13-year-olds.

The fund will offer help to families at an early stage -- not just when they reach a crisis -- through a wide range of projects.

Bolton is one of only 40 areas in England to have been given money from the fund in the first wave of grants. The council has drawn up a "Programme and a Partnership for Bolton", working with voluntary groups, residents, young people, youth groups and other agencies on how best to spend the money.

The partnership will support parents and families, helping children when they change schools and introducing "early warning" measures to prevent them getting involved in drugs and crime.

Support will be given to isolated and vulnerable groups and people; children and young people will be involved in the scheme; counselling, monitoring and listening services will be developed; services out of hours will be provided; and resources will be targeted better to avoid gaps in services.

The money has been allocated for three years and the first year programme will get under way shortly.

Detailed plans are being put together for the next two years and groups across the range of children's services and activities will be involved in the process.

John Baumber, chairman of the Bolton Children's Fund Interim Partnership and headteacher of Rivington and Blackrod High School, said: "Our plan has been approved by the Government as a Band A area in the top eight.

"The Government has praised the way we have put the plan together, in particular the way that we have consulted as many people as possible, and the broad involvement in the Partnership.

"Now the hard work begins in ensuring the plan is successful and that the lives of children in Bolton are improved."

More details on the Children's Fund in Bolton is available from Carol James on Bolton 333333, ext 4157.