Thursday 24th November 2011



The Old Whittington Recreation Ground Youth Empowerment Project celebrated last Friday when it received £190,081 from Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities programme.



Toby Perkins, Labour Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, handed over the cheque (above) at the Old Whittington Miner's Welfare Community Resource Centre when he met to discuss the group's plans for the capital as it continues to do excellent work with local young people.

The Youth Empowerment Project is a continuation of an existing project that targets 11 to 19 year old young people in the Old Whittington area who have poor attitudes towards the community, education and employment and have low self esteem and aspirations, often displaying anti social behaviour and drug and alcohol abuse.

The project aims to improve lifestyles, life chances and mental and physical wellbeing through providing a series of activities at its recreation ground. In addition, the project's youth development worker works closely with local secondary schools and visits during lunchtime to offer a drop in session where young people can go to for advice.

Two youth clubs will be delivered each week on a Monday and Thursday evening. Young people can come and relax and socialise or take part in activities such as table tennis, competitions, arts and crafts and music projects.

School holiday activities will run twice per week (lasting half a day) where young people can decide to do activities such as climbing walls, cooking sessions, bike maintenance and go karting. A meal is provided during this session. Organised family events will also take place.

After presenting the cheque Mr. Perkins said: "I was delighted to present the group with such a fantastic sum of money from The Big Lottery, which should guarantee the future of the Project and ensure that the initiative continues to do good work in the local community.

"At a time when young people's prospects are becoming increasingly difficult, projects like this become increasingly important to broaden the horizons of future horizons".

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