Donation Secures A Place To Congregate For Chellaston Youngsters

13 November 08

Chellaston youngsters are celebrating having their own designated meeting place thanks to a donation from community retailer, Midlands Co-op.

Midlands Co-operative Society has provided the Chellaston Recreation Action Group (CRAG) with a £1,000 Community Dividend grant to part-fund a youth shelter on Swarkestone Road.

Applicant and Chair of the Chellaston Recreation Action Group, John Bowden, said: “Following consultation with various local groups and Chellaston youngsters themselves, CRAG identified a need for a designated youth shelter within the area. The shelter has been funded by various sources including the City Council Area Panel and the Police. The extra boost from Midlands Co-op has ensured that the youngsters now have a place to meet and call their own, which has not only helped them to improve their social skills but helped to reduce anti-social behaviour too.”

The Making a Difference Community Dividend fund guarantees that a percentage of Midlands Co-op’s trading profit is returned to local communities in its trading area.

Cyrrhian Macrae, Midlands Co-op’s Head of Community & Co-operative Affairs, said: “The introduction of the youth shelter has not only benefited the youngsters but the wider community too. Consultation findings suggested that the lack of facilities for teenagers in the area was causing anti-social behaviour and a breakdown in community relationships, however these issues appear to have now been alleviated somewhat. I’m pleased that we have been able to assist with these changes.”

For further information please contact:

Dawn Walker / Joy Welch / Laure Doucet at Midlands Co-op on 01543 414140

Email – firstname.lastname@midlandsco-op.com

Log onto - http://www.midlandsco-op.com/pr/