Youth work funded by the National Lottery in Rugby has been praised by local MP Mark Pawsey.
Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby and Bulkington, visited Hill Street Youth and Community Centre today (Tuesday 29 August). The centre supports children and young people to cope better with difficult circumstances, providing them with a better chance in life.
Hill Street was awarded £250,582 of National Lottery funding in February 2015, lasting for five years, to allow the centre to continue its youth work, as well as help local people living with ill health, disabilities, loneliness and substance misuse problems.
During his visit, Mark met with the centre’s staff, who make a difference to people’s lives by helping them get back on track and supporting them to become active members in the local community.
James Logan, Project Leader of On Track – a youth club at Hill Street Youth and Community Centre, said:
“On Track has played a pivotal role in helping the young people of Rugby. We support those who perhaps struggle to feel part of the wider community or have been disadvantaged by an adverse family situation, leaving them feeling hurt, isolated and unhappy.”
During his visit, Mark also spoke with local young people who have benefited from the centre. One of these was 18-year-old, Steven Glover, who added:
“The centre has guided me through adolescence to adulthood. On Track has given me a chance to make new friends where I could freely express myself as I struggled through school life. They have supported me with so much, through school life and relationships to CV writing and courses to help me develop.”
Speaking after the visit, Mark praised the centre for its work in the community:
“I was delighted to be able to join the staff and young people at the Hill Street Youth and Community Centre to see for myself the projects that National Lottery Funding has made possible. I was particularly interested to find out more about their On Track programme, which has helped so many young people in my constituency and talk to those who have benefitted from the Hill Street Centre’s support.”
Mark added:
“It was particularly good to hear from the James and other activity leaders who provide services at Hill Street and see for myself some of the great variety of activities which the centre offers. I was particularly impressed to see inside the recording studio which has been made possible thanks to National Lottery funding. This is a unique resource which is helping young people to express themselves and overcome challenges which they face.”
James Harcourt, England Grant Making Director at the Big Lottery Fund, concluded:
“It is thanks to National Lottery players that inspiring projects like Hill Street Youth and Community Centre receive vital funding. We’re delighted to be funding such an amazing project to expand its work and improve the lives of more people from the local community.”