Move On Up - Bursary Scheme
What is the Move On Up bursary scheme?
This Move On Up bursary scheme is for young care leavers aged 16 to 25. The scheme can provide financial help as well as practical support to help you take that next step in your life. It has been supported by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, through the Hobson Fund.
Who can apply?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to all of these questions then you can apply to the scheme.
- Have you lived in care?
- Are you 16 – 25 years old?
- Have limited or no financial support from leaving and after care services?
What can I get help with?
Enjoying, Learning and Achieving
Do you want help to get back into education or to learn a new skill? We can support you with course or exam fees, laptops, books and more. You may need help to get into the world of work. We can assist you to buy uniforms, equipment or tools or health and safety certifications etc. We can also support you with job applications and preparing for interviews.
Emotional Health and Wellbeing
We know it’s been a hard year for everyone so you might need support with your own emotional health and wellbeing. We can help you organise and book therapies, counselling, courses in yoga, online courses, cookery lessons, art or music therapy, gym membership, etc.
Inclusion & Accessing New Opportunities
Do you need help to get connected with your local area or to try something new? Maybe you need some help to keep in touch with the people or places important to you? This scheme could help you buy digital equipment to stay in touch with family and friends. If you are new to your area you might want to join some local classes, like developing a skill or learning a new language, even sign language. If you are new to Northern Ireland, that could include learning English. Perhaps you want to meet new people through a new hobby or interest? We can help you do that.
What support can I get?
Up to £500 bursary* to help you to reach your goals
Coaching support with a member of the VOYPIC team to help you create an action plan to achieve your goals
Ongoing support from a mentor who will help you put your plan into action
Priority access to other VOYPIC programmes, eg. peer support groups, advocacy support, weekly Participation Forums, and youth leadership programmes.
*bursaries will not be paid in lump sums. VOYPIC will purchase items directly on your behalf or reimburse expenses paid
What is a mentor?
VOYPIC mentors are people in the community who have a passion for supporting young people and, as they are volunteers, they do not get paid. They will be someone that will meet with you and help you achieve your goals and provide you with support throughout your journey. All young people that are awarded the bursary will be matched to a volunteer mentor.
What if I don't need that much money?
You may not need a mentor or a large amount of money to achieve your personal goals or ambitions. We offer a number of smaller bursaries (of up to £100) for smaller items. Some examples of these are short term gym classes, books for school, equipment for sports activities, accessories for your computer, short courses, etc.
Requests for this support must still meet one of the key themes outline above.
How do I apply?
To apply for the Move On Up bursary scheme, you must complete an application form. You can online or by post.
Paper Application – complete the application form included in this pack and return it to:
Move On Up VOYPIC
9 – 11 Botanic Avenue
Belfast
BT7 1JG
The closing date for applications is Friday 25 March. A panel, including young adults with experience of care, will meet the following week to review applications and people that have applied will be informed of their application status no later than the Friday 15 April.
Need help applying?
If you need help to complete the application or you want to talk about anything to do with the scheme please email paul.mccafferty@voypic.org or you can call 07818236862.
