A HOUSING association will invest nearly half a million pounds over the next two years in giving young people a voice in their housing and community future.

Sovereign, which has homes across the south of England including in Dorset, will receive £225,250 in funding from the #iwill Fund, a joint investment from the National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It will invest the same itself – meaning that nearly half a million pounds will go towards encouraging youth participation.

It’s hoped that the funding will give young people a confident voice in their housing future, enabling them to take part in social action projects that matter to them.

Projects interested in applying for support will be able to access up to £10,000 for their organisations. Criteria for the groups and projects that can apply will be co-created with Sovereign’s own Youth Panel, which is made up of young residents.

Matt Buckham, Communities Director for Sovereign, said: “We want to break down barriers and encourage our young residents from across the country, from our many and varied communities, to step forward and voice their opinions, their ideas, their plans, hopes and dreams. Having the confidence to be part of something bigger than yourself doesn’t always come naturally but working with partners and charities we want to open doors for our young residents to achieve their life goals.”