New scout hut officially opened by South Shields MP

A South Shields scout troop's new home has been unveiled.
South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck officially opened the newly-refurbished 7th South Shields Scout group hut.South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck officially opened the newly-refurbished 7th South Shields Scout group hut.
South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck officially opened the newly-refurbished 7th South Shields Scout group hut.

South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck, cut the ribbon at the 7th South Shields Scout group’s headquarters in Highfield Road.

The makeover came about after the group received funding through a partnership between waste management firm Sita’s charitable trust and the Foyer Federation.

South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck officially opened the refurbished hut.South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck officially opened the refurbished hut.
South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck officially opened the refurbished hut.
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Sita gave £500,000 towards materials and the Foyer Federation, which aims to create safe accommodation linked to employment and training opportunities, will be delivering support and guidance to young people who are interested in improving community recreation facilities.

The project’s driving force was young scout leader Jack White, from South Shields, and the group also want the wider community to make use of the hut and turn it into a community hub.

Six new large skylights were installed in the main hall and work was carried out in the kitchen area, making it more suited for community use.

The group also invested in much-needed technology, such as a laptop, projector, printer and sound system, as well as kitchen appliances.

South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck officially opened the refurbished hut.South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck officially opened the refurbished hut.
South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck officially opened the refurbished hut.
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Marianne Ivin, of Sita Trust, said: “It’s really exciting to see young people taking such an active role in leading projects that enhance their communities.

“Our aim in creating this programme was to tap into their creativity, vision, ambition and drive.

“This project certainly reflects these qualities. The young people have been instrumental in designing, fund-raising for and delivering this project, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

John Percival, of the Foyer Federation added: “This programme aims to tackle issues facing the region, such as youth unemployment, community cohesion, quality of parks and green spaces, trust in young people, influence in decision-making, and general community satisfaction.

“This project shows the advantages of projects to bring young people from different backgrounds and cultures together.”