Youth Insearch crossing fingers for $1 million in funding

The youth support program held its first camp of the year at Lake Keepit in February, where more than 50 young people took their first step towards getting their life back on track. 

But the charity is still in the dark about its financial future.

Youth Insearch was able to apply for a $150,000 grant in each of the seven locations it operates in, chief executive officer Heath Ducker told The Leader.

“Our advice was that it would come through in October,” Mr Ducker said.

“We were told again we would know by the end of February, but we’re still waiting.

“Obviously our hope is to get the $1 million we applied for, but we need to at least replace the $400,000 a year that was taken away from us.”

A Department of Social Services spokesperson said the outcomes of the Strong and Resilient Communities grant applications were being finalised.

“It is expected applicants will be advised of the outcomes in the next few weeks,” they said.

The government has provided Youth Insearch with an additional $25,000 to see it through the first quarter of 2018.

If Youth Insearch is successful, it will be able to role out more services in Tamworth, with a focus on Coledale, Gunnedah and Narrabri.