Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA), which supports non-profit groups and volunteers, is hosting two free events for organisations interested in bidding for funds to work with disadvantaged young people.

The Building Better Opportunities Programme is part of Oxfordshire’s European Structural fund package which aims to tackle poverty and meet local priorities for economic growth, delivered in partnership with the Big Lottery. OCVA will host the events as part of its Big Lottery-funded work to support organisations from any sector that want to apply for two contracts to support young people who are, or who might become outside employment, education or training (NEET).

The funding contracts, which will be launched in October, come in a climate of concern about skills shortages in the workforce and how to find solutions for the continuing problem of young people who are NEET.

John Bell, who is project managing the work for OCVA, said that the first event on September 10 would be an open meeting for any organisations interested in the contracts, and provide an opportunity to get information, network and seek out partners. He said: “This is an opportunity for organisations of all types, big and small – you might be a local community group, a housing association, a faith group or employer for example – to hear more about what provision is already in place to support young people, explore what current needs are, check whether the programme is for you, and meet others who might become your partners.”

A second meeting will take place on September 29 for lead bidders only, to provide detailed guidance on the bidding process and the roles and responsibilities of organisations.

Kiera Bentley, chairman of OCVA, said: “By advising and supporting organisations we intend to widen the pool of voluntary and community organisations whose work will meet local priorities for jobs and growth identified by OxLEP (Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership) which is responsible for economic development across the county.”

The Building Better Opportunities (ESF/ESIF) Oxfordshire: NEETs Contracts Kick-off meeting will take place on Thursday, September 10, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at the OCVA offices in Floyds Row, Oxford. The event is bookable on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Building Better Opportunities (ESF/ESIF) Oxfordshire: Lead Bidders (only) meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 29, from 9.30am to 12.30pm at OCVA. For more information about the Building Better Opportunities Programme, including a link to register, see ocva.org.uk/hub/esif/. John Bell can be contacted on: esf@ocva.org.uk