SCHOOL-LEAVERS in Swindon who have no clear plans will benefit from a £400,000 National Lottery grant.

The funding will support summer activity programmes offered by a partnership of youth and community organisations across Swindon and Wiltshire.

A joint venture between the Trident Trust, Wiltshire County Council, Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Lifetime Careers, managed to secure the money from the New Opportunities Fund.

The bulk of the grant will be used for the Wiltshire and Swindon Summer Challenge Programme, which helps teenagers reach informed decisions once they leave compulsory education.

The Summer Challenge Programme was set up last year after the Trident Trust successfully applied for a £180,000 grant from the Government.

Roger Norgrove, regional manager for Trident, said: "The funding means we can build and develop of the support we established last year.

"It is integrated provision with many other services supporting young people across Swindon and Wiltshire. We want to help them access activities and gain a better understanding of what they want for their future.

"The main aim of the summer programme is to increase confidence and self-esteem and to link young people with post-16 opportunities whether it is college, school or work. It's important that the courses are designed to suit the students. It's a partnership with them."

Some of the initiatives for young people include outdoor adventure activities, DJ skills and IT courses.

Alain Bailey, community education manager for Swindon Council, said the lottery funding would enable more young people to experience different activities.

"It will mean a whole range of opportunities for young people in Swindon," he said. "Those young people will be able to identify what activities they want to try. It could be an adventure weekend or voluntary and conservation work with Millennium volunteers and the National Conservation Trust."

The Summer Challenge Programme runs between March and September.

Nikki Green, project co-ordinator, said: "Through a structured programme we build up confidence, enhance their skills and at the end of the programme try to organise work placement or a college course starting in September."

Contact Nikki Green on Swindon 466026.