A charity which supports local people in Biddulph has been praised by local MP Karen Bradley.
Karen Bradley, MP for Staffordshire Moorlands, visited Biddulph Youth and Community Zone recently, which is supported by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
Biddulph Youth and Community Zone was awarded more than £435,000 of National Lottery funding in 2015 to expand its youth café and community hub, providing local people with a warm and friendly environment to socialise with others.
Older people benefit from gentle exercise classes, whilst young people can attend mentoring sessions. Yoga classes are provided for children and families can enjoy a weekly film club. These activities help to bring the local community together, tackling isolation and loneliness and encouraging people to learn new skills, improving their chances in life.
More than 800 people from the local community have benefited from the activities, thanks to the Big Lottery Fund’s support.
During her visit, Karen spoke with charity workers and local people who have been supported through the community hub.
Antony Capostagno, Youth and Community Manager at Biddulph Youth and Community Zone, said: “This was an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the work we do, as a result of the National Lottery funding, to our local MP. Through a range of activities, we aim to strengthen the community, tackle anti-social behaviour, reduce loneliness and improve employment prospects. It was fantastic to show our special guest the great results we’re achieving within the local area.”
Speaking after the visit, Karen praised the charity for its work in the community. She said: “I previously visited Biddulph Youth and Community Zone before the National Lottery funding was awarded and this visit was just as inspirational. I was delighted to see for myself the great difference the Big Lottery Fund’s support has made to the staff and the local community. This fantastic charity gives people the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new friends, improving their life skills, self-esteem and wellbeing.”
James Harcourt, England Grant Making Director at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “It’s thanks to National Lottery players that inspiring groups like this can provide a place for local people to come together and enjoy. We’re proud to support Biddulph Youth and Community Zone, which provides beneficial activities by putting both young and older people, as well as families, at the heart of their community work.”
The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded almost £41 million to community centres and village halls across the UK.