HUNDREDS of disadvantaged York youngsters are set to benefit from a £1.5 million cash handout.

The York Children's Fund (YCF) has secured the government money for a three-year project to provide a range of youth services.

It will help meet the needs of youngsters aged five to 13 who may be at risk of social exclusion, and to help them overcome poverty or disadvantage. The fund, which is managed by a partnership of voluntary and statutory organisations led by Barnardos, aims to ensure that those at risk from social exclusion make positive progress as they grow older.

Those targeted include: minority ethnic children, including travellers; disabled children, and their parents and siblings; children who are vulnerable at key transition times such as starting school or secondary school; children showing early signs of emotional or behavioural difficulties; and parents of children in these groups.

Kate Tayler, the fund's project manager, said: "We want to ensure that children and young people across York who have experienced early signs of difficulties benefit from the best possible start in life and have the same opportunities as other children of their age. We also aim to provide support for parents to help them achieve the best for their children.

"It's important to realise that while children and young people living in certain areas of York are more likely to be at risk, some of the poorest families do not necessarily live in the most deprived areas. We want to reach out to families across the whole of the city."

The YCF will fund a range of schemes including:

York Children's Ability Network - a parent-led family resource centre to provide support, information and activities for disabled children and their families

Young Travellers Learning Project - learning opportunities and homework support to young travellers on and off the three main travellers' sites in York

Chill Out Zones - open access youth clubs two evenings a week at Tang Hall, Foxwood, Acomb and Westfield

Running Wild In York - safe and constructive outdoor activities for youngsters who are fearful of being outdoors, or who may be at risk of antisocial behaviour

Crimebusters - supporting young victims of crime and involving children in crime prevention work.

Updated: 10:44 Thursday, May 29, 2003