Young Opinions Unite (YOU) is a new town council grant-making panel, made up of a group of Year 8 students in Frome. They will select successful applicants for grants of up to £2,000 (£3,00 for exceptional projects), from a total fund of £10,000, aimed at projects supporting children and young people in Frome. The panel have chosen their name and designed the application and selection processes for the grants. They will fund projects that meet their criteria to:
- Listen to the children and young people
- Offer free or affordable activities
- Have a positive impact on the environment
- Are accessible to all, including those with disabilities
- Hold the key words RESPECT and EQUALITY at the heart of what they do
- Offer a safe space for children and young people
- Tell us what age range the project is for
- Have the relevant safeguarding policies and DBS checks
School assemblies at Oakfield, Selwood, Avanti Park and Critchill earlier in the year asked hundreds of Year 8 students to vote on the type of project they thought was most needed, voting with ‘Frome money’ tokens worth £10 per pupil. The overwhelming favourites were ‘spaces’ and ‘free or affordable things to do’.
Panel member Ella said “We want you to apply so that we can make an incredible difference for the young generation of Frome.”
“You should apply for a grant because we will make sure we get your voices heard and you will be helping children everywhere” Matilda.
“We want people who love and care and want to make a difference” Olivia
Tabby said “You should apply to help make our future better. To make a difference, be the difference.”
E added ‘I think you should apply because you are helping young people and changing lives”
Eva said “Apply for a grant to light the spark that burns the flame of imagination!”
Applications for the Young Opinions Unite fund open on Monday 1 December. The application form will be available as a download from this page. Email completed applications to sjames@frometowncouncil.gov.uk by 27 January 2026, with ‘Young Opinions Unite’ in the email subject line.
