Youth fundraiser at Strabane

Arran Youth Foundations’ annual fundraiser at Strabane House will be held on Saturday September 30, with Lady Jean kindly opening her beautiful gardens once again to raise funds for the group.

With the gardens open from 11am to 4pm, visitors will have the chance to enjoy home baking, teas, coffees, a grand raffle and an afternoon performance from Arran Pipe Band.

Donations can be made upon entry and the charity is hopeful of another successful event to raise funds for the work it does with the island’s young people.

Graeme Johnston, AYF’s youth work project manager, said: ‘As the charity grows, we are doing more and more positive work with Arran’s youngsters. As well as giving them opportunities to learn cooking and guitar with relevant qualifications, we provide mental health activities like art psychotherapy, a lunchtime drop-in where they can chill out with their friends and trips to the mainland for things like Alton Towers, paintball and loads more. Our Friday nights attract upwards of 40 children a week. We also run a LGBT+ club and a youth forum where they can have a say on issues affecting them. It is increasingly the case that AYF is the first port of call for many young people who are struggling with problems.

‘We would appreciate a good turnout next Saturday. We are grateful to Lady Jean, as the money raised at open days at Strabane always helps the group.’