A group of determined teenagers from Shotley have been successful in securing nearly £19,500 for a new village youth facility – thanks to a joint project.
Babergh District Council, and Ipswich-based partners CSV Media, ran a community film project earlier this year which saw the group of youngsters trying to showcase themselves and break the stereotypical view of young people in their community.
Now the project has gone from strength-to-strength and news of a £17,635 windfall from the Suffolk County Council Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds has been announced.
The group, Josh Ling, Becky Taylor, Beth Saxby, Jack Pugh, Josh Mison, Liam Matthews, Matt Prescott, Sam Cox and Tom Hemsley, were hopeful their film would help them to gain a safe place for Shotley young people to socialise both now - and for the future.
For four months the teenagers worked with Babergh officers and CSV on the film – called ‘Shotley Youth News’.
The film was produced as a news bulletin and the teenagers interviewed different members of their community to find out their views about young people living in Shotley.
One of the key findings from the film points to the lack of facilities for young people in the village.
The funding panel were so impressed with the young people’s work - and the support that was given by the community - that they were awarded the whole of their bid.
They have also been awarded £1,800 from Extended Schools funding which makes their total cash windfall £19,435. The money will be used for a new youth facility and also to pay for equipment and staffing costs.
Group member Josh Ling said: "We are very happy and grateful to receive the money and look forward to being able to put it to good use with our new youth group.”
Cllr Penny Clarke, one of Babergh’s ward members for Shotley, said: "This is excellent news for the teenagers and for the village of Shotley.
“Now the funding is in place, we really need to urge anyone who may have a couple of hours free to volunteer and help with this new club.”
And Jill Barton, Babergh's Community Development Officer, added: "The commitment and enthusiasm of these young people is amazing and I am delighted this has been recognised by the county council funding.
“This group is a shining example of young people who can really make things happen.”
If you think you can help the group by volunteering, on a rota basis, to help one evening per week so the group can further their project, please call Jill Barton on (01473) 826674 or email: jill.barton@babergh.gov.uk. ENDS
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