JADE Youth and Community Centre in Dinnington has received £5,000 from Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, to support their youth activities.

The funding was awarded from the Commissioner’s Community Grant Scheme and will partly fund the cost of two youth workers who will deliver 156 evening youth work sessions at the JADE Youth and Community Centre in Dinnington for young people aged seven to 25 years.

The youth workers build positive relationships with the young people to identify any needs and support where needed.  JADE provide a number of support services including sessions that help young people understand the impact and consequences of crime and offending. They cover issues such as child sexual exploitation, drug and alcohol use, healthy relationships and sexual health.

Dr Billings visited JADE on Thursday, 20 June to present them with a cheque for the grant funding.  He said: “JADE offer a first-class youth provision in Dinnington. Every area in South Yorkshire could benefit from such a centre. Sadly, youth provision across the country has been a casualty of austerity and cuts, leaving many young people with little to do in an evening.   This has resulted in some turning to anti-social behaviour and committing crime.

“JADE offer a comfortable, welcoming place for these young people to meet, make music, play pool, play on gaming consoles and just do what young people do.  Along with this, the youth workers act as role models and can engage with them, providing support and advice on important issues.

“I wish them well and hope this funding will help many young people access any help and support that they need, or just enjoy being with their friends.”

JADE is open four nights a week and were visited by 603 individuals over the last twelve months.  They provide a youth club for juniors from 4pm to 6pm and then a senior youth club from 6pm to 8pm.

Sam Oldroyd, JADE CEO said: “We really can’t thank the Commissioner enough for his kind and valued support.

“The funding will enable us to engage young people from across the south of Rotherham around a wide range of issues that impact upon their lives, ranging from crime and offending to education, employment and health, whilst providing a safe space and place for young people to socialise, learn and access support.

“We work with hundreds of young people a week, and thanks to the PCC we will be able to provide the support they need to live safer, happier and healthier lives and develop the skills and opportunities required to ensure they are able to reach their full potential”.

For more information on the JADE Youth and Community, you can visit their website https://jadeyouthandcommunity.co.uk/