By Matt Rantell, Chair of Trustees

My grandad, Sir Jack Petchey CBE, believed deeply in young people – in their potential, their energy, and their ability to shape the world around them. So much of his legacy, and the work we do at the Jack Petchey Foundation, is built around recognising and celebrating what young people across London and Essex can achieve when they’re given the right environment, support and opportunity.

That belief wasn’t abstract. Grandad served in the Royal Navy, and he never forgot what it meant to belong to something; to have a place that gave you purpose and pride.

So much of the work done for young people across London and Essex happens somewhere. In Scout and Guides huts and community halls, in youth centres and local hubs, in the buildings where so much of a young person’s life actually happens.

That’s why I’m proud to announce the launch of our new Jack Petchey Places & Spaces Fund.

Through this fund, we will invest in those places and help organisations create spaces that young people and their groups can truly call their own – places they want to be, and where they can make the most of what’s on offer, and where they feel they belong.

One of my grandad’s favourite sayings was “picture a world where every young person can dream great dreams and live up to their potential.” I think that vision sits at the heart of this fund. And great dreams need to take root somewhere with solid foundations. Grandad was able to build his strong roots as a boy growing up with his family in the East End, and as you can see from the picture of him we are using to launch the fund, he looks happy and confident in his own space. We want to recreate that.

We also believe strongly that young people should help shape these projects. The best spaces are built with young people, not just for them. We ask that organisations will bring them into the conversation early – asking what would make the biggest difference and letting their ideas lead the way.

To every youth worker, volunteer, leader and organisation determinedly showing up for young people – often behind the scenes, and often in challenging circumstances – thank you. We hope this fund strengthens the places and spaces where so much of your dedication plays out every day.

I can’t wait to see the ideas and energy that young people and the organisations supporting them bring to this new fund over the next two years – and what those spaces will make possible.

Apply now — £2 million available

The process has two stages, beginning with an Expression of Interest:

Stage One: Expression of Interest

• Opens: Friday 22 May 2026
• Deadline: 12 noon, Monday 6 July 2026

Stage Two: Full Application (by invitation)

• Opening: early August 2026 

Ready to apply?

If you have been running the Achievement Award Scheme in 2025 and 2026 and are a youth organisation or uniformed group, head to the JPF Community Area to take a look at the Expression of Interest form.

Go to the JPF Community Area

Guidance, FAQs and further eligibility information is available on the main fund page.

Places & Spaces Fund Page

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