The Place youth group in Alness welcomes major Children in Need vote of confidence in its provision to young people in Easter Ross community
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A COMMUNITY youth group which has faced several major challenges in recent years has been given a massive vote of confidence by a household name charity.
The Place, in Alness, which lost its premises after more than three decades in the same building rose from the ashes when it set up its operation in a field, overcoming Covid-19 challenges in the process.
It has been given £114,837 from the Children in Need charity.to support its work with young people over the coming years.
The group works with children of all ages and over the last summer was involved with 2800 young people.
Janette Douglas, a community worker with the group, said: "It has been a tough few years with our community work to support young people and their families.
"This award from Children in Need is a show of confidence in what we are doing, and what we are able to achieve in the future.
"Children and young people in the area are going to greatly benefit from the funding in the activities that we will be able to provide in the future."
Mrs Douglas said that over the last few years the group has gone through many changes, including losing its building.
She continued: "These were very hard days, and I know that many parents and members of the community were concerned that we would lose the building altogether.
"But what a time to be able to create a new adventure for the charity and everyone involved. We now have a very practical service in The Field and as it is outdoors it is very accessible to everyone who wants to come along, and because we will always have fresh air – we can provide our service in a very safe way.
"It is lovely to have the trust of Children in Need."
The group worked throughout Covid, and over the summer holidays sessions were provided for 2800 young people.
Mrs Douglasadded: "The third sector were able to fill the gaps during the pandemic, and as we move forward with this funding we will be able to continue doing our work with children and Young People from Alness. This is great news for the whole community."
Children in Need said the money would be used to support the youth clubs taking place at The Field, holiday play schemes and annual residential groups. It said Alness was in a remote area that created many challenges for young people to access support.
It said the support would help young people improve their confidence, develop skills, feel safe and be motivated to achieve their goals.
MSP Emma Roddick, Highlands and Islands, and former user of the service, said: "I was delighted to be able to officially open The Field earlier this year, so I know just how deserved this award is.
“The Place do amazing work with local children and young people, offering drop-in sessions and youth achievement groups focussing on attaining SQA-recognised awards, offering folk from all backgrounds great opportunities to plan for their future.
“I hope to see many more recognitions of their incredibly valuable and important work.”
Outdoors is The Place to be - pictures
