Young people at the Norwich International Youth Project found the grant the group received from Community Cash invaluable to their confidence and friendships.

Norwich Evening News: Community cash logoCommunity cash logo (Image: Archant)

Applications for this year's Community Cash fund are now open, with groups from across the city urged to bid for a grant of up to £1,000 from Sport Relief to support their good work.

The International Youth Project was awarded £1,000 from the Sport Relief Community Cash fund last year, which it spent on taking 15 young unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees on a residential educational trip.

Through the money they received, the group, aged between 15-19, were able to spend three days at The Grange near Swaffham to get involved in activities on the smallholding as well as enjoy some therapeutic work.

Rachael Martis, co-ordinator of the project, said: 'A lot of those who do not share the same language were able to bond together because they have been in similar situations. The residential trip gives them something they would never have the chance to do otherwise.

Norwich Evening News: The Norwich International Youth Project.Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe Norwich International Youth Project.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

'It's a wonderful experience and they learn so much. We are broadening their understanding and getting them to enjoy themselves.'

She said during the school holidays many of the asylum seekers and refugees feel trapped and are left with the memories of their traumas.

But the trip gives them a break away, a chance to learn and something to tell their friends about when they return to school.

Trevor Payne, co-chair of the youth project, said: 'We have all cultures coming together and it there could be a clash. But there isn't. The trip forces them to respect each other.'

Norwich Evening News: The Norwich International Youth Project. Members, left, Jonny Faustin and Nathan Bihogo. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe Norwich International Youth Project. Members, left, Jonny Faustin and Nathan Bihogo. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Last year, Norwich International Youth Project, was one of over 50 city groups which shared £50,000 of Sport Relief Community Cash last year and applications are open for this year.

Grants are available for groups working in disadvantaged areas of Norwich and have until February 23.