Open Access Youth Provision Grant

The Community Investment Gateway are inviting applications from voluntary and community organisations to deliver open access youth provision across the district from September 2026 until March 2027, with a potential to deliver up to 31 March 2029.

​This funding from Wakefield Council supports universal youth work which provides safe, welcoming safe spaces for young people 10 to 17 years of age (up to 25 for young people with SEND) to spend time, build relationships, develop skills and access trusted adults outside of school and home.

These grants are for delivery of open access youth provision, including:

​Open access youth clubs (centre‑based or community‑based)

• Detached and outreach youth work linked to open access provision
• Evening and weekend provision
• Youth voice and co‑production embedded within delivery
• SEND‑inclusive open access delivery
• Provision aligned to the NYA Youth Work Curriculum
• In areas most in need

The Gateway use the following definition for 'open access', informed by National Youth Agency (NYA) practice standards and related guidance:

‘Open access youth work is voluntary, universal provision where young people choose to attend, can join or leave freely, and are not required to meet assessed thresholds or be referred. It is rooted in trusted relationships, informal education and young people’s voice, offering safe spaces for social, emotional and personal development.’

Who can apply for the funding?

The Community Investment Gateway welcomes applications from VCSE organsations locally-rooted in Wakefield District.

The funding is for members of the Community Investment Gateway (any tier). If your organisation is not a member, get in touch with gateway@nova-wd.org.uk ​to find out how to join.

Find out more 

Visit the Community Investment Gateway website for more details and to download the Information Pack.