Thankful youngsters celebrate generous donation

Members of Worthing-based Phoenix Youth Group have been celebrating after receiving a £20,000 grant towards their work from Sanctuary Housing.

To thank Sanctuary for its support, 26 of the Group’s youngsters held a special party at Northbrook Project Building on Worthing’s Titnore estate recently.

Phoenix Youth Group provides young people aged seven to 12 with the opportunity to take part in activities and socialise with their friends in a safe and informal environment.

Sanctuary’s significant investment will provide much-needed funds to support the Youth Group who can now employ a qualified youth worker and extend their range of activities to include older children aged 13 to 19.

It will also allow the group to purchase new entertainment and sports equipment and fund a range of exciting activities for local youngsters over the coming year.

During the last three years, the group has worked in partnership with local organisations as well as other housing providers, to help reduce antisocial behaviour in the area.

At the celebratory event, youngsters played a number of fun party games before enjoying a pizza dinner, while the older children took part in a football training session provided by Mark Slide, Brighton and Hove Albion FC ‘Albion in the community’ coach.

Carol Rowe, Sanctuary’s resident involvement officer said: “The youth group plays a key role in providing meaningful activities and helping maintain a reduction in antisocial behaviour in the area. Sanctuary’s support will enable them to continue their good works and extend it to reach more young people in the community.”

Sue O’Keefe, chairperson of Phoenix Youth Group, said:” We can now start on the next phase of the Phoenix revival. We will be looking to employ a qualified youth worker so that we can have an evening for 13 to 17-year olds and start the toddlers group we have been planning for some time.”