SIR,

At the Big Lottery Fund, we are committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.

And we recognise that, although most young people get the support they require and have a good experience of education and work, there are some who need more support as they become adults because life presents them with more challenges than most of us face.

Our £12 million funding programme Bright New Futures, which was launched this month, will help these young people, specifically young parents and young disabled people aged 14 to 25.

We want to fund projects in Wales that will build their emotional resilience so that they have the skills, knowledge and ability to manage key transitions in their lives.

Any third sector organisation that wants to apply must register their interest on our website by 13th October.

If they are eligible for funding, they can book themselves on one of eight briefing sessions being held in November.

If you want to find out more please visit biglotteryfund.org.uk/brightnewfutures or phone 0300 123 0735.

By visiting the website people can also read comic book case studies, watch a video of a flash mob performed by partially sighted young people who helped launch the programme and listen to a podcast.

John Rose

(Wales Director,

Big Lottery Fund)