Young people in HIPS lead the way in commissioning youth activities

Young people in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton (HIPS) have been leading the way in a commissioning process that will see new youth activities delivered in the area!

You might remember that back in November 2024, we shared the news that the HIPS Youth Commissioning fund was open for local groups to apply for funds to deliver activities that:

• Promote positive wellbeing through Arts and Culture

• Provide opportunities for young people to try different types of physical activity

• That create safe spaces, reduce isolation and build confidence

• That help young people to find out about activities happening in their local area

These were four key focuses for the fund decided on by young people.

More than 1000 young people had been involved in voting for in a county wide ballot to identify those areas young people thought will make a positive impact to wellbeing. Our ‘Youth Matters’ steering group were central to shaping that ballot, using information and suggestions put forward by a wide range of local stakeholders in response to #BeeWell data and informed by young people’s experiences.

 

We had loads of fantastic applications to deliver activities with those focuses. Our ‘Youth Matters’ steering group sorted through those application and made their recommendations, with their advice carefully listened to by the professional evaluation panel.

 

We are now pleased to share the below commissions which will support new local initiatives which will be delivered this year.

Congratulations to these groups and we are very excited to work with you over the course of the projects and beyond.

 

Keep checking back for updates on how the successful projects are getting on with delivering their activities throughout 2025!