ORGANISATIONS seeking to help 10 to 14-years-olds are being urged to get their hands on a share of £2million from a fund spearheaded by the Prince of Wales.

The cash comes from the ‘Social Action Fund’ which offers financial support to groups from the youth, voluntary, business, education and faith sectors to get more young people involved in changing their own and others lives.

The whole of Lancashire, including Blackburn with Darwen, and Teesside have been allocated a total of £2million over two years from the government’s cabinet office and the Education Endowment Foundation.

This is part of a wider Campaign for Youth Social Action launched in June by Prince Charles, known for his interest in Burnley and East Lancashire.

It aims to double the number of young people, aged between 10 and 20, taking part in helping others by 2020.

The detailed programme follows a review set up by Prime Minister David Cameron, led by Dame Julia Cleverdon.

The new fund aims to provide social action opportunities for 10 to 14-year-olds to create positive outcomes for young people, including improved attainment and engagement at school.

It defines social action as taking practical action in the service of others, such as restoring a community property or organising a charity event.

The campaign aims to capitalise on the spirit of the 2012 London Olympics which generated enthusiasm for volunteering and taking part.

Prince Charles said: “It is nearly 40 years since I first spoke about the importance of young people taking on challenging opportunities to serve others in their community.

“I have always been convinced that practical action in the service of others is of benefit both to the individual and the community. “So much incredible work has already been done in the UK.

“This campaign is a concerted and long term effort across all sectors to join together with young people to create more opportunities for their social action.”

Dame Julia said: “Our review proposed an independent campaign for Youth Social Action and the announcement that the Prince of Wales will lead the initiative gives real optimism that we can build a national culture of youth action over time in the UK.”