Ambitious project for young people can go ahead thanks to £238,740 windfall for vibrant Rugby centre
An ambitious new four-year programme for young people in Rugby can now be delivered thanks to £238,740 National Lottery funding.
The funds will enable Hill Street Youth & Community Centre to create more free opportunities through their Rugby:THRIVE project.
It’s designed to give young people more opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence and spend time together.
Sarah Thompson, Chair of Hill Street Youth & Community Centre, said: “We're really pleased to have secured this four-year investment. Rugby:THRIVE is a great opportunity to build on the work we're already doing and create even more opportunities for children, young people and families in our community.
“We want people to feel that Hill Street is a place where they can come along, get involved, meet people, try something different and build confidence. Most importantly, we want Rugby:THRIVE to be something the community helps shape and feels part of.”
Over its first six months, Rugby:THRIVE will grow into a year-round programme of free activities running across five days each week, 48 weeks of the year.
Activities will be based at Hill Street Youth & Community Centre and will provide children, young people and families from across Rugby with more opportunities to get involved, try something new and spend time together in a safe and welcoming environment.
There will be something for a wide range of ages and interests, including youth and children's clubs, sports and physical activity, arts and crafts, music, drama and dance, family activities and community events.
The programme will continue to develop in response to the interests and needs of local children, young people and families.
During the first six months, Hill Street will focus on putting the foundations in place for a successful four-year programme.
This will include recruiting and training staff and volunteers, strengthening relationships with local schools and community organisations, listening to young people and families, and developing the partnerships and systems needed to make Rugby:THRIVE successful for the long term.
The first elements of Rugby:THRIVE will start this month, with more activities and opportunities being introduced over the following months.
Founded in 2012, Hill Street Youth and Community Centre began as a local initiative to meet the growing needs of the Rugby community. It’s now evolved into a vibrant, inclusive space that serves over 40,000 visitors each year.