Up to £60k has been made available to commission a borough-wide youth work programme in Cheltenham for 12 months, starting this summer.

As part of the commitment for collective investment through No Child Left Behind, to help all young people to thrive, the parish councils of Charlton Kings, Leckhampton with Warden Hill and Up Hatherley earlier this year highlighted the impact that the limited availability of youth work was having on young people and the wider community.

In an exciting move, the three parish councils have come together with Cheltenham Borough Council, the NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group and Cheltenham Borough Homes to help secure more youth work for all young people.

The hunt is on for an existing and established youth work provider, or partnership of providers, whether voluntary and community sector or public sector organisation, with a good track record in youth work delivery, that can deliver high quality and effective diversionary youth provision across the borough over the next 12 months where needed.

The work will need to include a focus in Charlton Kings, Up Hatherley, Leckhampton, Warden Hill, Oakley, the Moors and the town centre, and offer young people opportunities for creative or cultural expression, as well as considering ways to reduce health inequalities and support the mental wellbeing of young people.

Paul Jones, director of finance and assets at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "We are delighted to be working with local parish councils and other partners to invest in much-needed provision for our young people, who have had a challenging 12 months. This work supports our commitment to No Child Left Behind and we look forward to working with a local youth work provider to help make a difference."

Joanna Knoles, clerk to Charlton Kings Parish Council, added: "Our parish council is delighted to be a key partner in this important initiative and we're very pleased to have this investment in youth services. By creating a professional youth outreach service throughout Cheltenham, this much-needed project will support the health and well-being of our young people, who have faced significant challenges over the past year."

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 12 May and the details can be found at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/youth-work-grant .