Youth clubs return to Warwick community centres thanks to cash boost

A Warwick charity has been reopening its youth clubs across the town thanks to a cash boost.

The Gap charity, based at the Oakwood Grove Gap community centre near Spinney Hill, has received £16,000 from the The Heart of England Community Foundation’s Doing Things Differently Fund.

The Coventry-based Foundation raises money to develop community activity in the West Midlands and Warwickshire.

The funds will enable youth clubs to return at the Percy Estate, Chase Meadows and Woodloes community centres, for children aged seven to 16.

Children who usually attend Packmores youth club are invited to join another club until further notice.

Socially distanced activities on offer include; outdoor survival skills and crafts, Halloween activities, Christmas crafts, team sports and games.

The team has been closely monitoring and complying with National Youth Agency Covid-19 secure regulations for coronavirus health and safety.

To comply with group number rules, places are pre-bookable.

Jane Lisle-Holmes, the Gap youth development manager, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding so we can get back to supporting Warwick children with fun, exciting and constructive activities to take their minds off the current situation, and to give them the social contact that is so important for their healthy development.

“Youth clubs are an essential opportunity for young people to meet up with friends, and be physically active, as well as using their creativity to express any worries, all of which are brilliant for their mental well-being.

"We’re also pleased to be able to offer the children some stability during these uncertain times.

"Thank you to the Heart of England for enabling us to continue this vital work."

Tina Costello, Heart of England Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to The Gap on their recent grant from the Community Foundation.

"We’re passionate about the Midlands and care about the people and places here. We want to help communities thrive, and for people to be happy, healthy and live fulfilled lives.”

The Gap Youth team hopes to extend their youth provision in the future to more young people in Warwick by working in partnership with local schools.

Parents or schools who would like to find out more about their work can email [email protected] or follow the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/TheGapYouthWarwick