Children in Need launches £3m grant programme for disabled young people

BBC Children in Need has launched a new grant programme that focuses on the UK's disabled 12 to 18-year-olds.

The £3 million Fun and Friendship scheme seeks to provide a platform for young people to break down social barriers and make new friends.

Up to 12 three-year grants worth as much as £300,000 will be allocated to organisations championing the empowerment of disabled teenagers.

Children in Need chief executive David Ramsden commented on the programme: "Fun and Friendship is aimed at projects that empower disabled young people and work to support opportunities for friendships, fun and social independence."

Mr Ramsden added that the initiative would also aim to increase learning among the demographic in question.

Applications will be accepted until 31 July and the grants will be awarded in February next year.

The organisation last month distributed £14.8 million to over 400 youth projects in the UK after its television appeal night in November raised a record-breaking £20,991,216.

Charities Aid Foundation, 29th May 2009