ORGANISATIONS can now apply for grants of up to £10,000 for projects that help young people support each other during bereavement.

Successful applicants from across St Helens can access funding for social action projects that equip young people with the skills they need to provide peer support.

Grants could also help young people to use their experiences as a way to speak up and recommend how local services can help other bereaved young people.

Grants are available through the Co-op Foundation’s #iwill Fund. The Foundation expects to make about five grants in total and organisations have until noon on Friday, April 3 to apply at coopfoundation.org.uk.

Co-op Funeralcare homes in St Helens are partners in this latest round of funding. Their involvement is in direct response surveying more than 30,000 people to understand the nation’s experiences and attitudes towards death, dying and bereavement.

This survey found that 16 to 29-year-olds are the age group most likely to bottle up grief, with just under a quarter (24 per cent) saying they ‘kept it to themselves’ when suffering a bereavement.

Young people were also most likely to be left out of social arrangements because of bereavement.

Jim Cooke, Head of Co-op Foundation said: “Losing a close friend or family member is difficult at any age, and it can be particularly tough for young people who might be dealing with other pressures at home, at school or in their social lives.

“Helping others going through similar experiences is a great way for young people to build their confidence, skills and sense of belonging. And by recommending how others can support bereaved young people better, they can make a long-term difference for their peers.”

The Co-op Foundation’s #iwill Fund supports the aims of the #iwill campaign that wants to make social action a part of life for as many 10 to 20-year-olds as possible.

The Foundation has already invested £2m into tackling youth loneliness through youth social action. Grants available from today form part of a £3m extension that will also see young people campaign to improve community spaces and support each other during the move from primary to secondary school.

For more information on the Co-op Foundation and to apply for funding, visit coopfoundation.org.uk