Doors open on multi-million pound youth fund taking young people from streets to safe spaces

Thousands of young people across England are set to benefit from safer spaces, trusted support and inspiring activities, as The Million Hours Fund reopens expand youth work in areas of England hit hardest by anti-social behaviour. 

From arts to sport to educational activities, the programme will support local youth organisations to expand their services — keeping centres open for longer, steering young people away from harmful influences and helping to build their confidence and skills for a brighter future. 

Backed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and The National Lottery Community Fund, this £19 million joint funding initiative will support youth work and activities. It also builds on the previous rounds of the Million Hours Fund that launched in 2023 and aims to fund over a million additional hours of youth work. It will provide vital support for young people aged 10 to 18 — and up to 25 for those with disabilities or special educational needs — while putting their voices front and centre of how projects are delivered. 

Increasing youth provision aligns closely with the Government’s Opportunities and Safer Street Missions. It is proven to have positive impacts on wellbeing, essential skills, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and increasing community engagement. 

Applications now open 

Projects must take place in, or benefit young people in, one of the designated areas with higher levels of antisocial behaviour and should involve young people in shaping how activities are delivered. Full eligibility criteria and application guidance is available on the programme’s website. 

Youth organisations working in eligible wards across England are encouraged to apply with a closing date of midday on 22 October 2025. If more organisations apply than we expect they may stop accepting applications before then.

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