Barnstaple Youth House wins Sponsorship to expand its Work with Young People .

Following extensive application and interview processes throughout the past year, Trustees at BYH have just received the exciting news that they are to receive significant financial support in excess of £150,000 from the Rank Foundation to be spread over the next five years.  The Rank 'Youth or Adult?' Scheme sponsorship is awarded to well managed voluntary organisations that are wanting to provide or expand high quality youth work.  The funds are specifically to enable BYH to train and qualify an experienced, but currently unqualified youth worker, who will undertake the national YMCA George Williams College training programme.  It is a particular feature of this award, that the trainee appointed will be a local person already undertaking youth work, known to the Youth House Trust and wanting to stay in the area.   The post provides a salary, training fees and related expenses and successful completion of the programme leads to certification as a professional youth & community worker with a nationally recognised Diploma of Higher Education. 

BYH Development Manager Annie Rickard said "There are currently ten different groups and organisations providing a wide variety of activities and services to young people and their families/carers from BYH and we are thrilled that the crucial work here has been recognised in this way.  With all the new buildings and developments taking place in the Barnstaple area, it is crucial that we plan in for young people now if we are to provide them with the positive support and activities they need to help them contribute fully in their adult lives.  Our communities and our workforce needs confident and capable young people with enthusiasm for life and a wide range of skills, and we must work together to ensure that all our young people feel a part of the planning for the future.  The Rank Foundation sponsorship will enable us to engage with young people in our surrounding communities and help them to make their voices heard.  This opportunity couldn't have come at a better time, with our own building plans approved to allow us to extend our facilities and offer new community aspects to the life of the New Youth House Complex.  There is still a massive amount of fund raising ahead but from September BYH will now have a much needed specialist youth worker to ensure that youth needs remain in the forefront of these developments and that young people continue to receive the help they need today, whilst improvements are put in place for the future."  

BYH Trustee & Treasurer Dudley Booth welcomed the announcement of this award and stressed that the BYH Trust is now looking to strengthen its Trustee base and also to increase support at its bi-monthly Business Action meetings.  Anyone willing to give  time, expertise, practical &/or business skills, sponsorship or 'goods in kind' to help this important local Trust secure long term financial stability should contact BYH Development Manager Annie Rickard on 01271  -  321321 or e mail admin@barnstapleyouthhouse.com