YOUNG people from Southampton can attend a group to help them develop a positive attitude and approach to life thanks to new funding. Weston Church Youth Project (WCYP) has been given £5,000 from The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) and will receive funds from The Co-op Community Fund for its Resilient Kids group.
Debbie Harris, Children and Families Worker, who is based at the charity’s offices at The Venny at Weston Adventure Playground (WAP), said: “This is absolutely fantastic news and we are over the moon that we will be able to re-start our Resilient Kids group thanks to the very kind donation from HIWCF.
“We’re also thrilled to have been chosen to benefit from the next round of the Co-op Local Community Fund. Every time Co-op members purchase own-branded products, 1% of what they spend goes to help fund community projects such as ours. The funds will go towards the running of the group.
“The Resilient Kids group has been running for the past three years and has helped many children to grow in confidence and resilience. Our previous members have enjoyed the benefits of attending a term time club where they have been able to explore ways to become more resilient in a safe, family type atmosphere.
“They have done this on a weekly basis through discussion, games, craft, drama, cooking, bike rides and various trips. We have also enjoyed visits from some inspirational speakers who are doing great things in the community.
“All of the activities are aimed at helping the children to develop positive attitudes and a positive, healthy approach to life. Thanks to the donations from HIWCF and The Co-Op, a new group of youngsters are going to be able to benefit from the club and become confident, well-rounded individuals.”
WCYP is an inclusive charity that enables, encourages and equips the young people of Weston to live life to the full and to contribute to their wider community.
The neighbourhood-rooted, non-profit organisation works with some of the most disadvantaged youngsters in the area and the team is passionate about empowering young people and giving them opportunities that will impact on their lives now and in the future.
HIWCF was set up as an independent charitable foundation to connect donors with causes and charities. It awards small grants to voluntary and community organisations throughout Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth.
Grant Cornwell MBE, Chief Executive at HIWCF, said: “Our Better Start Fund is committed to tackling child poverty and we are always looking for new ways to support households and families experiencing financial hardship, as we believe that children and young people should not have their life opportunities limited by poverty.
“The Better Start Grants enable us to support a range of truly vital projects run by deserving local community groups such as Weston Church Youth Project, who work extremely hard to make a fundamental difference to the lives of local families.”
Thanks to its members, the Co-op has delivered £17 million to more than 4,000 causes across the country through its Local Community Fund.
For more information about WCYP and its work, please call 07833 610385 or visit www.wcyp.org.