David Ruffley MP has today encouraged young people in Suffolk to apply for a Save the Children 'Here to HELP' award, funded by British Gas. Awards of up to £1,000 are available as well as a small number of grants of up to £3,000 that young people can apply for to improve something in their local community.

Save the Children and British Gas created the 'here to HELP' awards to get young people involved in dynamic and lasting community projects. So far the awards, which have been running for nearly two years, have had a positive impact upon the lives of over 10,000 children in England, Scotland and Wales.

David Ruffley said:

'This is a great opportunity for young people with ideas to improve their local area. If you are a young person who knows of a real need in your community and has a great idea you should apply for an award.

'Save the Children recognise that the health, education and the protection of children and young people are vital in today's society. So the charity is looking to award £1,000 for projects that help address one or more of these issues.

'For the £3,000 awards, the charity is specifically looking for project ideas with a clear aim of benefiting the most disadvantaged or marginalised in society. Poor children have less chance of living in adequate housing and getting access to basic services like healthcare and education, and they're more likely to suffer from social discrimination and exclusion. Save the Children wants to help children and young people be active partners in tackling poverty in their communities.

'Here to HELP is a fantastic opportunity that allows children from a variety of different backgrounds and ethnicities to get involved in projects lead by themselves that benefit the community in which they live. For more information or to submit a proposal, please visit the here to HELP website at www.helpyourselves.org.uk'