More than £220,000 from the Government's Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) has helped make over 100 different projects a reality for youngsters aged 13 to 19 in the borough since 2006.
Although the money comes from Government, it's the Trafford youngsters themselves involved in the Pot of Gold group who decide where funds should go - and all the projects are ideas that come from other teenagers.
From the Care Bears - a self-help, supportive group for youngsters in care - to a group who organised a bike ride around Skye to raise funds for St Anne's Hospice, the schemes all show how many young people there are out there who want to make a positive change to their own lives as well as to their community.
Daniel Armitt of Trafford Youth Service, which supports the Pot of Gold group, said: "POG gives young people a chance to really get involved and make decisions themselves and decide what they want.
"Many people have a negative stereotypical view of young people but this fund shows that they can really get involved, make decisions and are capable of improving things for themselves and other young people."
Under Youth Opportunities Fund rules, groups can apply for grants of up to £3,000 while individuals can receive up to £500. The money has been used to fund a wide variety of activity, including educational trips, specialist arts workshops, health-related projects, outdoor activities and improvement of facilities for young people.
One group of young people was told about the Pot of Gold by the Youth Service's Streetbased team. They wanted to organise a charity bike ride round the Isle of Skye and with help from the fund organised the six-day trip, including training sessions in first aid, bicycle maintenance, cooking and setting up campaign equipment. They also raised sponsorship for St Anne's Hospice from the trip.
The Asian Young Women's group received POG funds to hold arts sessions looking at how Asian culture has been influenced by western society - culminating in a showcase event to celebrate their achievements.
And young people in care received help to form the "Care Bears". They meet weekly and POG funds have helped with equipment costs and a residential event that helped them look at how they can influence policy from within the care system.
If you are aged between 13 and 19, live or meet in Trafford, and are interested in finding out more about POG and how to make an application then contact James Rothwell on 912 8633 during office hours.
