The Millennium Youth Centre, also known as The Mill, has received £1,000 from our Woodford community fund that will be used towards ongoing costs such as the employment of two youth workers and rent and utility costs.
The centre, that opened in the year 2000, provides a safe environment and a positive option for young people to spend their time where they can socialise and play a variety of games.
Its two part-time youth workers, Ian Watson and Sharon Sephton, are there to not only oversee the centre but also mentor its members through studies and school life and teach them new skills through a variety of workshops.
Chairman of trustees, Angela Rowley, said: “The Mill works closely with local primary schools and has links with Bramhall High School. The after-effects of the pandemic are still evidenced in some of the young people who attend The Mill after school and the safe space provides them some respite. It's encouraging to welcome youngsters from year 6 primary school age and pupils from Bramhall High School. We see them forming friendship groups and finding that place of non-judgemental acceptance where they can safely navigate the difficult years of adolescence.”
The premises are also used one evening as a regular venue for Bramhall's Special Needs & Able Bodied Group.
Angela added: “The youth workers do a splendid job of engaging the youngsters and being listening ears and sounding boards. As a charity, The Mill depends solely on donations and grants and the trustees would like to thank Redrow for its support in continuing this vital community work.”
The Mill is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3.15pm and on Saturdays it has been used as a warm space. The youth centre has a kitchen/ café area, two games rooms and a music room.
Emily Carey, area sales manager for our North West division, said: “Youth clubs have hugely positive impacts on teenagers in their local communities and this is one reason that we wanted to support The Mill. Its services are vital and it’s on the doorstep of Woodford Garden Village so some of our teenage residents may find themselves using the club’s services.”
Through our community fund, we have shared £10,000 between ten local groups.
To find out more about the homes currently available at Woodford Garden Village visit our website.
To find out more about The Mill visit their website.
