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Ulster Bank Group has embraced the YouthBank initiative by bringing the founding partners together for an all island approach to the programme for the very first time. Today’s investment secures the future of this innovative scheme and allows for a doubling of the number of YouthBanks across the island of Ireland.
YouthBank is an all-island initiative which allows young people between the ages of 14 and 25 assess needs in their locality and provide financial support through grants to deserving projects acting effectively as a bank for community initiatives.
It was established in 1999 by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI) as part of a UK pilot project. In 2002 the CFNI supported the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF) to role out the first phase in the Republic of Ireland. The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and the Irish Youth Foundation to date has granted €300,000 (£206,594) to over 300 projects.
In addition to the funding, Ulster Bank staff throughout the island of Ireland will provide advice and expertise to the young people involved. This will work to develop skills, provide learning for the young people managing YouthBank and build valuable linkages and understanding between commercial banking and local communities.
There are currently 15 YouthBanks operating in Ireland with 10 in Northern Ireland and 5 in the south. A further 16 are planned with over 350 young people to be trained and accredited to operate the YouthBanks.
Avila Kilmurray, Director of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland explained
YouthBanks are usually formed in schools or in partnership with other community groups. Today’s announcement will allow YouthBank expand the existing set up in addition to the opening of new outlets in new ways - such as Ulster Bank hosted YouthBanks and the establishment of constituency-based outlets hosted by organisations that work with particular groups e.g. minority ethnic groups, young people with disabilities or young people emerging from the criminal justice system."
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Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action is registered as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland (No 1792) and is registered as a charity for tax purposes with the Inland Revenue