Durham's freemen are backing the launch of a targeted aid programme designed to bring fresh hope to scores of disadvantaged children and young people on a city housing estate.
The staff and management team of the Laurel Avenue Community Centre, established in 1985 and located on the Sherburn Road Estate, have identified many “stigmatised” children and young people in particular need of support – their ages ranging from birth to 19.
They have already raised £5,000 towards the cost of the 19-week project, designed to cultivate the “personal, social and emotional well-being” of those in particular need of help. A £500 gift from the freemen has lifted them to within reach of their final target.
Claire Linfoot, the centre manager, said children and some families living in the Sherburn Road area were unfairly stigmatised and discriminated against because of where they lived.
“For the past six years we have been funded by Children in Need, working to cultivate children’s confidence, self-esteem and give them a voice. Throughout the pandemic we have worked in a wide variety of ways to reduce anxiety, much of it heightened by self-isolation. This project is designed to target those who remain disproportionately affected,” said Claire.
The centre will be the main base from which evening and morning support sessions will be delivered across the 19 weeks, offering the “safe place” lost during the pandemic when many of the social networks the youngsters enjoyed through school, youth clubs and community groups were put on hold.
Activities will include sports, arts and crafts, playground games, dance and drama, singing, mindfulness activities, team building and resilience.
Off-site activities will take in nature walks and family swimming sessions and staff are also trained to offer advice to parents and carers on housing and debt, as well as referrals food and clothing banks.
“The need to engage children back into the community is even greater than ever before. Our main aims will be to improve the emotional well-being and mental health of those we are targeting, tackle social isolation, improve social development and make sure they are heard.
“Our work is welcomed by all schools and early year settings within our area and our centre is recognised as the main support hub within the estate,” added Claire.
Eric Bulmer, chairman of the freemen’s charitable trust said: “The Corona virus has affected all our lives but none more so than those less advantaged in our society. I am, therefore, particularly pleased the freemen can support the ongoing work of the Laurel Avenue project.”
