JIGSAW Youth Club makes an immense difference to the lives of children and young people with Asperger's syndrome.
The disorder, similar to autism, is characterised by difficulties in interacting socially.
Yet the club brings them together – and some of the older ones are now able to mentor the younger children.
Cutbacks mean that the group, based at the Monty Hind Club in Leen Gate, Lenton, looks set to lose its sole paid staff member at the end of this month.
But at least worries over paying an annual �3,000 rent have been alleviated thanks to a �2,000 grant from the Co-operative's Community Investment Fund.
Project leader Danny Jackowski said: "We greatly appreciate what the Co-op has done for us. It is difficult for young people with Asperger's to attend a mainstream youth club."
The club, which has 100 members looked after by 12 volunteers, meets every Saturday morning to run activities such as football, snooker, crafts and computer sessions.
Members also learn life skills in the kitchen, where they help to prepare lunch.
Danny said: "When members get to 17 to 18 they are offered the chance to become peer mentors working with younger ones in the group. It gives them a purpose and sense of belonging."
Last year community groups in Nottingham and the East Midlands received grants totalling �60,000 as a result of the Co-op's growth. This month marks the second anniversary of the Co-op's acquisition of the Somerfield stores.
During this period nearly �6m has been invested in stores in Notts.
As well as re-branding four Somerfield stores, there have been 13 refits of existing Co-ops.
The increase in Co-op membership has resulted in a huge windfall for community groups.
Spokesman Paul Cranfield said: "Members can donate as little or as much of their dividend payments to the community investment fund.
"At the end of each half year, the area committee award local community groups between �500 and �2,000. It's not life-changing, but for small groups a sum of �500 is the difference between them being able to operate for another 12 months or not."
The fund receives 30 to 40 applications every two months and expects to see an increase now many voluntary groups are being hit by cuts in council support. Among the successful applicants was the Safe Space project run by the Malt Cross in the city centre.
Trialled in December, it provided a sanctuary on Fridays and Saturdays between 10pm and 4am for anyone in trouble.
It used its �1,000 grant to train 20 new volunteers to relaunch the project last Saturday.
Street pastor Jo Cox-Brown said: "It's a safe space where people can wait for a taxi or come if they have lost their purse or mobile, if they need first aid or if they have been attacked.
"In December we saw people who had been assaulted or witnessed assaults and someone who had taken a drugs overdose. Every person we keep out of A&E saves the city around �2,000."
At the safe space, victims of domestic violence or anyone with drink and drugs problems can be signposted to organisations that help.
Another award winner was Radford-based City Arts.
The organisation received �1,996, on top of �9,000 from the Foundation for Sport and Arts.
Children under-achieving in maths, English and science are having extra lessons thanks to the Students Learning and Sports Academy's �2,000 award for its Let Kids Learn project.
Youngsters have two weekly 45-minute lessons in Forest Fields Community Centre.
The 1st Shelford and East Bridgford Scouts received �1,200 to buy kit for outdoor activities including tents, cookers and burners.
And a �1,000 grant went to Bells Lane and Aspley Tenants' and Residents' Association to fund a narrowboat trip for members of its after-school club at Bells Lane Community Centre.
 |  |
Steve Coogan Documentary Chelsea Rugby union Climate change War crimes
No comments:
Post a Comment