Protecting future of youngsters
LSGK Accountants Ltd are the latest business to sign up to a scheme to ensure the survival of a Leek youth club.
@21 is based in Market Street, Leek and plays a vital role in helping and protecting the more vulnerable youngsters in the area. It gives them a base, an activity centre, structure, and people to talk to in time of crisis.
In 2014, Staffordshire County Council closed all its youth services and since then a determined group of dedicated local volunteers have pitched in to keep the youth club open.
@21 fundraiser Michelle Cohen said: “It costs £7,000 a year to keep the building running and £10,000 for two youth workers to support the volunteers who work for nothing.
“This makes the budget incredibly tight and that is why we are appealing to business people in Leek to commit a small amount of money or time each year to help to keep the club going.
“We know the risks of deprivation and the havoc it can wreak on young people’s lives – poor health, low selfesteem, drugs, self-harm, abuse, and poor educational achievement.
“@21 is providing a critical service to this group by offering a meeting point, an activity centre, an opportunity for learning and growing – not to mention safeguarding. The two youth workers working for the charity make a critical difference to their future.
“In the current economic climate, @21 is at risk – with no statutory funding for the cost of buying in services of the part-time youth workers, the volunteer trustees have been working frantically to keep the service afloat. And, of course, Covid has made the situation even more difficult.
“However, if enough local businesses like LSGK Accountants can commit to a small but regular amount of money to promote this work, then the future of @21 would be assured.”
LSGK Accountants director, Jed Eatough added: “I didn’t think twice about playing our small part in helping @21. It has such a positive effect on the young people who use it and they in turn are the future workers and businesspeople of Leek who will make a positive contribution to local society.
“Donating to this most worthy of causes is an investment in the future of our young people and I will be spreading the word to my associates and clients to help in any way they can to ensure @21 continues to provide such a vital service.”
To donate to @21, contact michellecohentownend@gmail.com or call 07734 417928.