Funding woes lead to closure of South Tyneside youth project

South Tyneside Youth Action Volunteers has been supporting the youngsters in the borough since 1993 - providing opportunities to take part in various activities and and for those who struggle with mainstream education.

With a current funding contract finishing at the end of this month, those who run the project fear it could lead to its closure.

Project manager Lynn Renwick said: “We have tried every funding avenue we can think of, but we have got nowhere.

“We have managed to keep the project going on our reserves for the past 18-months but they will run out completely at the end of November. “If nothing comes soon, the project will be finished by the end of the month.

“Everyone here is upset including the young people.

“A lot of them have said they wouldn’t be where they are today if it wasn’t for the project.”

The YAV based at Custom Space in South Shields has led to young people taking part in exchange visits to France, Germany and Zimbabwe as well as provided young people with voluntary opportunities to improve their work skills.

Lynn added: “We have young people who have been part of the project who still come and visit as they still find the support they receive quite valuable.

“We also teach independent living skills and offer career advice, find out what their interests are and get them on the right courses so they will end up with the right qualifications.”

The project, which costs around £50,000 to run, has in the past been funded by the Big Lottery.

“We really want to keep the project going because of the advantages it has for those who access it, but without funding I don’t see how we can.”

“If anyone has any ideas we’d love them to get in touch.”

If anyone can help the project call Lynn on 454 8704 or e mail [email protected].