Brand new Gedney Dyke Youth Club receives £1,000 from Coveris UK to kickstart project

A mother determined to create a new youth club has received £1,000 to kickstart the project.

Gedney Dyke Youth Club is due to open on Thursday, January 8, to fill ‘a massive lack of youth provision on this side of the A17’ for children aged six to 16.

Hayley Claire, 36, from Holbeach Hurn, instigated the idea having felt that there ‘is nothing for kids to do’ and has been awarded much needed finance from Coveris Community Fund.

She said: “It is amazing and super exciting and we appreciate their help

“I can't wait to get going and pay for some equipment and safeguarding training

“There is a massive lack of youth provision on this side of the A17.”

A crowd funder has also been set up with a target to raise £1,300.

This will help the continuation of the club which will be based at the newly refurbished village hall on Thursday evenings from 5.30pm-7.30pm.

Miss Claire said: “We hope to do a sponsored event and get local schools involved.

“We want the kids to be part of it and the community to be involved.”

Miss Claire recalls the importance of a youth club she attended in Moulton Seas End when she was young.

She said: “I did go to a youth club when I was young.

“It was somewhere fun with your friends and your parents knew you were safe.

“You had a blast with your friends and always knew you would get a takeaway when your parents collected you.”

With all volunteers DBS checked and trained in safeguarding the club will offer fun educational sessions.

Miss Claire said: “We are hoping to provide life skills and the older ones taking on a mentorship role.

“We have been blown away by the support from offers of workshops on dance, nutrition, show and tell.

“Hopefully we can help the teenagers with apprenticeships.”

Ian Vickery, HR director at Coveris UK said: “We’re pleased to award a £1,000 grant from the Coveris Community Fund to Gedney Dyke Youth Club.

“The club’s focus on creating a safe, inclusive space where young people can enjoy activities that build confidence and wellbeing is a great match for the aims of our Fund.

“Supporting our employees’ voluntary efforts and activities, the Fund exists to make a positive impact in our local communities.

“With many of our colleagues living and working nearby, we’re proud to back a cause that brings real value to the area, and who knows, some of these young people may go on to become part of our team in the future.”

For further details visit Gedney Dyke Youth Club on Facebook.