(Image: Middlesbrough Council)
More children and young people will get access to free activities after a North East mayor unveiled a funding scheme to expand youth services across his town.
Middlesbrough Council is launching 11 youth clubs and activities across the town with £240,000 from Mayor Chris Cooke’s fund.
The money will fund more free, supervised sessions in young people’s communities.
Mr Cooke said: "This is about creating opportunities for all young people, regardless of where they live, and giving them things to do in their spare time.
"Youth clubs are so powerful in the way they can positively influence young people.
"Whether they’re based on sport, gaming or life skills like cooking, they offer a safe space for children to come together and socialise.
"They’re so important."
New clubs and activities will launch in Easterside, Linthorpe, Trimdon, Marton and Nunthorpe.
More sessions will also start in Acklam, Coulby Newham, Park End, the town centre and Brambles Farm.
Organisations across Middlesbrough were invited to apply for grants to run new youth activities.
New and emerging groups could apply for up to £10,000, while established organisations with venues and staff could receive up to £20,000.
The activities are for children aged 10 to 16, or up to 18 for those with special educational needs or disabilities.
All 11 programmes will include children with additional needs.
Mr Cooke said: "Widening access to things like this and breaking down barriers for people regardless of their background is all part of making Middlesbrough thrive."
The investment also supports the Mayor’s 10 by 10 scheme, giving children 10 positive, life-changing experiences before they turn 10.
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Middlesbrough Council is also putting more money into school holiday activities, building on the success of the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme.
Middlesbrough Council is finalising plans for youth services in the last remaining ward without an offer.
Details of the clubs and how children can join them will be shared in the coming weeks.