GLOUCESTERSHIRE Community Foundation has £164,000 available to help groups working in the county to provide opportunities for vulnerable young people.

The Gloucester-based Foundation is encouraging charities and community groups to apply for grants from two funds administered by them - the Local Network Fund and the foundation's own fund.

"We would welcome applications from community groups working to help vulnerable young people in Gloucestershire," said Darien Parks, the foundation director. "The Local Network Fund has £164,000 waiting for applications and we have money in our own fund too."

Grants of more than £116,000 have been made from the fund over the last six months and have included: A kitchen refurbishment, a party for very sick children, equipment for a skateboard park, kit for a refugee football team, a summer school, to educational gardens, after-school clubs, educational day trips and many more.

"The Network Fund grant has made an enormous difference to us this year," said Cloud 9, a charity providing respite care for children suffering ill health.

Gloucestershire Community Foundation gives grants to groups working to combat any form of disadvantage in the county and these are available up to £2,500 and requests should be made to the foundation office.

Anyone wishing to apply to the Local Network Fund for a grant of up to £7,000 should phone the call centre on 0845 113 0161 for information and a form.

To obtain an application form from the Gloucestershire Community Foundation ring 01452 522006 or write to 3 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LR or email darien.parkes@virgin.net.