Young People’s Project wins lottery funding
THE Peter Le Marchant Trust is celebrating the success of its very first bid for National Lottery funding.
A £223,261 award will advance its new Young People’s Project, creating a Young People’s Hub, increasing the range of opportunities for local youngsters and bringing a new generation to water-based educational, environmental and heritage projects.
This will be an expansion of the trust’s work, giving day trips and holidays on water to children and adults who experience health and social issues in their day-to-day lives, and represents something of a return to work the charity did in its earlier days.
“Our founder, Clare Le Marchant, did a lot more with young people in the past,” said CEO Tim Marren, “but it’s only the last couple of years we’ve built the portfolio back up.”
Clare Le Marchant described the award as wonderful news. “This will enable us to really develop this exciting work, encourage intergenerational working and ensure young people gain the positive benefits that come from our canal boats and our local waterways.”
The trust already has enthusiastic support. “We’ve got a team of a hundred volunteers, semi-retired and retired, doing a great job,” said Tim. “We’ve got people who were airline pilots, or in the services. They have so much to share with young people on projects.
“With this we can keep a close eye on the next generation coming through in 10-15 years’ time.” Successful pilot studies, run in conjunction with The Prince’s Trust and Young Citizens, helped their application.
Michael Hunter, a young volunteer, said: “Volunteering at the trust has enabled me to gain greater confidence and so many new skills and experiences in a really fun and friendly place.”
Now, with the award, a youth co-ordinator is being appointed and there is potential for an apprenticeship in the future.
The trust usually welcomes more than 5000 passengers a year and the award comes at the end of what should have been a boom year with many corporate and seasonal trips in the diary. Although activities have been tentatively resuming, with ‘family bubble’ trips and the possibility of running Winter Warmer trips, the award is particularly welcome. “It’s nice to have some good news,” said Tim.