Published on 31st August 2016

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For the sixth year running, Gloucestershire County Council has invested £50,000 in Cheltenham to help deliver positive activities for young people.

Cheltenham Borough Council received applications across the borough and is pleased to announce that 12 community-based organisations have been awarded. The fund ensures that young people can access activities across the whole borough of Cheltenham that makes a positive difference to them, their health and wellbeing and the communities they live in.

Councillor Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I’m pleased that the £50,000 funding we have provided has been allocated to these 12 organisations in Cheltenham. We provide each district with the funds to support community-based organisations in their locality that help to make a real difference to young people in Gloucestershire. I am sure that the organisations Cheltenham Borough Council has selected will greatly appreciate the support.”

Councillor Flo Clucas, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles, said: “For young people, life is a journey of discovery. It is there to be explored and enjoyed. Our Positive Activities help young people do just that providing a springboard to acquiring new skills and encouraging talent. It’s wonderful that once again, two councils have been able to support so many different voluntary and community groups.”

Just some of the projects who have received funding include: Cheltenham Festivals’ Young Writers club who run weekly writing courses; The Cheltenham Trust - Off the Wall - The Wilson Arts Collective; Cheltenham and District Sports Association for the Disabled - Have a go club; Hester’s Way Partnership – Hester’s Way Glow Sports Project; Gloucestershire Mentoring and Support CiC (GMAS) - Cheltenham Oasis Youth Sports club.

Andy Hayes, Hesters Way Partnership, said: “Hesters Way Partnership are particularly pleased to have been awarded funding for this project as Glow Sports, unlike other traditional sports offers the participant a totally unique experience. By playing in the dark under UV lights, Glow Sports breaks down some of the barriers that young people face in relation to body image and embarrassment. The sessions, available in the autumn, will offer a hugely effective social platform for young people to be active whilst making friends and having lots of fun.”

Ben Evans, managing director of Gloucestershire Mentoring and Support CiC, continued: “At the Oasis Centre in Cheltenham the grant from Cheltenham Borough Council will allow us to continue our successful project to provide mentoring and support for 40 young people around their health, diet, exercise and body image, often using the medium of sport.”

For further information about Positive Activities funding please contact Richard Gibson, strategy and engagement manager, [email protected]


For press enquiries contact: Jemima Lawson, communications officer, 01242 775050, [email protected]

Notes:
1.More information about the organisations and projects involved can be found on the council decisions webpages under Positive Activities Funding at www.cheltenham.gov.uk or https://democracy.cheltenham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=867
2.Hesters Way Partnership - The first Glow sports sessions are likely to be in the autumn and will be made available through www.hwpartnership.org.uk and www.leisureatcheltenham.com/community-activities