£1k windfall comes in ‘youthful’ for local club
The YMCA at Augusta Park is celebrating getting its new youth club off the ground thanks to a £1,000 grant from local borough councillors.
Alamein councillors Phil North and Tracey Preston awarded the money to help set up the club, which will enable younger residents to meet new people, learn new skills and take part in a range of activities with the support and advice of qualified youth workers.
East Anton youth centre manager, Jamie Douglas, said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to our local councillors for this £1,000 grant. This group is much needed in the local community and without their assistance we might not have been able to achieve our ambition to set it up. The grant helped to buy games and equipment for the group, which will be gratefully received and well used.”
Alamein ward member Councillor Tracey Preston, said: “Jamie has shown a great deal of commitment and dedication to get this group off the ground and we were only too pleased to help by giving them the grant. Community groups such as this can make a world of difference to local residents and I have no doubt that it will be a great success. Young people today face so many challenges, so a dedicated place for them to relax, chat, learn new skills and meet new friends will be invaluable.”
The youth group has also benefited from a £5,000 grant from Smannell Parish Council to help fund the youth workers.
The Test Valley Borough Council councillor community grant scheme helps to fund community-led initiatives. Local councillors allocate funds to projects that they identify as meeting a need in the community based on feedback from residents. More information about the grants available can be found at www.testvalley.gov.uk