IT’S official! Redditch Youth and Community Enterprise (RYCE) has been awarded £452,166 in National Lottery funding.
The South Street centre was one of four local success stories in the latest round of Lottery funding with £10,000 each also going to the Friends of Webheath Owlets, Home-Start North East Worcestershire, based in Easemore Road, and Age UK BRWF.
The award for RYCE, to extend and improve its offering to the youth of Redditch, was dependent on it receiving a 10 year lease from the Borough Council, which was approved in the summer.
When it was first created the centre had survived on leases as short as one year, but now it can look to the future with confidence and certainty.
The six figure sum will pay for a complete refurbishment of the building plus a new kitchen and garden and toilet facilities to encourage mother and toddler groups and provide a pleasant space outside.
RYCE already offers quiz nights, a dedicated music night, youth clubs, yoga, computer groups, language courses, a dance academy and first aid courses – among many.
A new kitchen will also be installed and garden and toilet facilities improved to encourage mother and toddler groups and provide a pleasant space outside.
“This is going to support the future of youth provision in this town and we are aiming to be the community hub of excellence in Redditch,” said Ray Groves, who has guided RYCE since its inception.
Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest has been awarded £10,000, so it can expand its work to support more people over the age of 50, who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness.
The grant will help to further develop its befriending service, where volunteers are matched with people to keep them company.
The Friends of Webheath Owlets, based at Webheath Academy will use their £10,000 to create an outdoor family play area.
The project aims to improve early development, build relationships and access to support services.
Home-Start will use their grant for Special Needs and Parent Support or SNAPS, running weekly peer support sessions for parents and their child who is or may be living with additional needs.
The project aims to improve knowledge and understanding whilst building relationships.
Matt Poole, Senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “All over the country, National Lottery money is being used by people who are taking the lead in developing great ideas to help their communities thrive.
“These projects in Redditch are brilliant examples of this and, thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to be able to support them to change lives for the better.”
