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Dewsbury youth group funding boost |
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A community group that supports children and young people in Dewsbury has received a funding boost.
Moorside Minors is run by local residents and provides sports and leisure activities for children aged four to 15.
The popular youth project gets children from Moorside Estate in Dewsbury Moor off the streets and prevents them from being drawn into anti-social behaviour. It has attracted 40 members.
A round of funding injections from Kirklees Council, Dewsbury Area Committee, Dewsbury West Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder, Voluntary Action Kirklees and the government is enabling Moorside Minors to launch a new programme of activities for this year.
The group has also received practical advice and support from Kirklees Safer Stronger Communities Service.
Cllr Andrew Marchington, Chair of Kirklees Safer Stronger Communities Partnership, said: “It is very encouraging to hear how local residents are getting involved in their community, improving the lives of young people and making Moorside Estate a safe and good place to live.”
Moorside Estate resident Rachel Hoodless set up the group four-years ago with her husband Garry to create positive opportunities for young people in the area. In the past, some would hang out in groups on the streets. They weren’t causing trouble but, Rachel explained, older people felt intimidated.
Rachel said: “We provide a safe environment and activities for young people. They make friends, try something new and channel their energy into positive activities. We also inspire them into healthy habits, and prevent them from hanging out on the streets and being at risk of anti-social behaviour.”
She added: “We have ground rules such as no racism, bullying, fighting or swearing. They learn to respect the estate. They get a warning if they break the rules, then we notify the parents. We’ve only ever banned one young person in the four years that we have been running.”
Moorside Minors runs from February until December. It offers weekly football coaching and games sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5.45pm to 7.10pm and monthly trips.
This year, trips have been organised to Lightwater Valley, The Zone in Huddersfield, an outdoor activity centre, Bridlington, London and a Christmas pantomime. Membership is £1 a year and children pay a 25p subscription on attendance every week.
Members also get involved in fundraising to boost the group’s financial support. Thirteen young people spent a day helping shoppers pack their bags at Morrison’s in Heckmondwike on March 15 and raised £607.85.
Previous funding has enabled the group to buy sports kit and equipment and set up a website in addition to providing an activity programme. All committee members and volunteers have been trained in child protection and first aid.
For more information go to http://www.moorsideminors.co.uk
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