Investing in Our Young People
Witney Town Council’s Youth Services Grants
Witney Town Council is proud to announce the allocation of its annual Youth Services Grant to nine youth-focused organisations across the town. This year attracted a record level of interest, demonstrating strong commitment within our community to supporting young people and providing positive opportunities.
The Council was unable to fund every application in full. Each submission was nevertheless carefully considered, with funding prioritised for new and sustainable projects that most closely aligned with the objectives of the scheme for the Witney Community. Particular emphasis was placed on inclusive, preventative and open-access initiatives that are accessible to young people in Witney, clearly signposted and able to demonstrate a positive impact.
The successful applicants and their funded projects are:
The Witney Buttercross Scouts received £5,000 towards essential infrastructure and environmental improvements at The Old Oak, a newly approved 6.5-acre campsite and outdoor activity hub in North Leigh. The project will provide hundreds of Witney-based Scouts with access to a safe, accessible and inclusive outdoor recreation facility, while also creating opportunities to work alongside other local youth groups and primary schools.
1st North Leigh Guides were awarded £500 towards a sailing session at Farmoor Reservoir, providing young people with an affordable opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and take part in an adventurous outdoor activity.
The Benefice of Witney received £2,000 to support an open-access weekly youth café for young people in Witney. The sessions will offer free activities, crafts and wellbeing support, alongside a safe and welcoming environment where young people can build positive relationships with trusted adults.
Yellow Submarine received £1,500 to deliver its Witney Youth Club summer activities for families with learning-disabled children aged 11–18 across Witney and West Oxfordshire. Small groups of 12–16 young people will take part in stimulating activities within the local community, providing families with respite while helping young people develop confidence, independence and friendships.
From Beth Simpson, Young People’s Programme Manager at Yellow Submarine:
“Our Witney young people have had a fabulous summer, enjoying myriad different activities! Lots of water sports – swimming, canoeing, slip ‘n’ slide – as well as climbing, trampolining, inflatables and mini-golf. We’ve visited Blenheim Palace’s Adventure Playground and seen the sights in Oxford, been music-making at Inspire Sounds and baked delicious goodies at our own Bakery. We even squeezed in a week’s residential too! We are so grateful to Witney Town Council for its fantastic Youth Services grant to support this!”
Aspire were awarded £2,500 for small-group tuition for 50-100 young people aged 16-24 at their Witney Hub. The sessions will help participants strengthen their essential skills and build a stronger foundation for their future.
Hope After Harm received £1,000 to support its trauma-informed mentoring programme for young people in Witney experiencing significant challenges, including trauma, exclusion or risk of exclusion, conflict and other barriers. The programme provides individual support designed to help young people navigate these challenges and make positive progress.
Courtside Hubs CIC were awarded £2,000 for their Schools Outreach Project, which will take a targeted approach across up to 14 schools, reaching an estimated 3,000-4,000 children over the year. The project will provide free pickleball and physical activity sessions, alongside activity festivals where pupils can access masterclasses and free tennis, padel and pickleball opportunities.
Be Free Young Carers received £2,000 towards their 13+ and 8-12 Youth Groups, which meet monthly throughout the year. The groups provide young carers with a safe and supportive space away from their caring responsibilities, with food, opportunities to build friendships with peers facing similar challenges and access to youth worker wellbeing support.
A representative from Be Free Young Carers commented:
“Be Free Young Carers are incredibly grateful for the support from Witney Town Council. The charity expanded into Witney in 2025 and has been delighted to see young carers registering from across the town. This funding will allow us to deepen the support we are able to offer these young carers in need.”
In addition, Home-Start were awarded £12,000 to support their programme of free weekly groups and summer activities for babies, toddlers and young families across Witney, including specialist provision for children with SEND. Their sessions provide opportunities for play, early learning and social connection, while offering families a welcoming space to access practical and wellbeing support.
Cllr Thomas Ashby, Chair of the Stronger Communities Committee, commented:
“I am deeply proud to help deliver this funding; by investing in everything from weekly youth cafes to mental health and outdoor activities, we are ensuring Witney’s young people get the safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities they deserve.”
Cllr Ruth Smith, Leader of the Council, added:
“Once again, the committee was pleased to award Youth Grants to initiatives that brought new opportunities to Witney’ young people. A brilliant investment in our future.”