The Rock, a youth project dedicated to supporting young people in Cheltenham, has been awarded a £41,000 grant to expand its services.
The funding, provided by a consortium of local organizations including Cheltenham Borough Homes, NHS Gloucestershire, and the Gloucestershire Office of Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), will enable The Rock to reach more young people who may be struggling with school, mental health, or social isolation.
The Rock’s approach focuses on providing support both within youth centers and in the community. Their outreach workers engage with young people in parks, public spaces, and other locations where they gather.
Victoria Atherstone, Cheltenham Borough Council’s cabinet member for safety and communities, said The Rock had “a fantastic application” for the grant.
“[The council] recognised we did need to focus more on detached youth work to meet young people in the environments they’re actually at,” she said. “The town centre, St Paul’s and St Peter’s are three specific areas we’re honing in on to support young people.”
The project has already made a positive impact by offering a range of services, including mobile sports activities and health and wellbeing advice. By providing opportunities for social interaction and personal development, The Rock is empowering young people to reach their full potential.
