Summer fun for Tees youngsters thanks to UK Steel Enterprise

August 24th 2018

Youngsters on Teesside are enjoying days of summer fun organised by two charities thanks to funding of £2,500 from UK Steel Enterprises special Community Support Fund.

The Junction Foundation, based in Redcar, received £1,500 to help fund a five-week programme for 12 young people aged 12 to 16 through its Emotional Wellbeing Service. It is the third time the charity has been backed by UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary.

The activities range from walks, a sports day on the beach and mindfulness sessions to a Go Ape Tree Top Walk, a visit to Flamingoland and a team building fitness session. All aimed at promoting exercise, healthy living and eating, encouraging friendships and team work as well as building confidence for those experiencing emotional or mental health issues.

Kirkleatham Hall School in Redcar, where pupils have significant learning, physical, medical and emotional needs, received £1000 towards a special one-week play scheme. Activities included circus workshops, sports, music therapy, inflatables and entertainers. The week, funded by the schools charity SNAP (Special Needs Activity Programme) has also been supported by other local businesses and organisations.

UK Steel Enterprise set up its Community Support Fund to help projects that improve life for people of all ages living in its steel areas. The Fund has now given a total of £340,000 to a range of community projects in the region.

Peter Taylor of UK Steel Enterprise said: "We are very happy to support both these charities as they do a great job providing support, encouragement and valuable activities for hundreds of young people, helping to improve their lives and opportunities. We helped The Junction Foundation in 2010 and again in 2016 when they organised a special event for young carers and it is always great to see projects in action."

Victoria Wallace of The Junction Foundation said: "The school summer holidays can be a testing time for young people who may be dealing with a whole range of difficulties. The 1,500 from UKSE has made a massive difference in helping us provide support and activities that help build emotional wellbeing and resilience in a safe team environment. They are enjoying activities across five weeks of the summer and are having a lot of fun."


PICTURE CAPTION: Peter Taylor (fifth from left) of UK Steel Enterprise joins youngsters and Project Workers from The Junction Foundation enjoying a Sports Day on Redcar beach. UKSEs Community Support Fund has given 2,500 to two charities providing summer activities in the school holidays.