Making a Difference

Here at HDT we are passionate about supporting people and helping (where possible) to contribute to giving youngsters the best start in life. Making a difference is something that is important to us.

Last year we completed the extensive renovation of Newton Boys and Girls Club (NB&GC). Officially launched by Greater Manchester Mayor – Andy Burnham, the club was transformed from a run-down building into a first-class youth facility.

Since it re-opened its doors last September, the club has gone from strength to strength with more than a 600% increase in monthly attendances. This has been achieved through increased opening; the refurbishment has helped to facilitate the club opening 6 times per week where previously only two sessions were possible, and when it does open the number of young people using its services is growing, with average attendance up over 250% as each session is now attended by an average of 28 people compared to the 8 who attended previously

Staffing of the club has also had to increase to meet demand and now has 3 part-time staff, 6 additional volunteers (3 of which being young people), 5 college placements and 2 new Trustees, in addition to the original 5 volunteers and paid Club Manager.

NB&GC deliver courses on topics such as drugs and alcohol awareness, sex education, healthy living, cooking etc, enabling attendees to attain NVQ’s and / or new skills. It aims to help young people with their employability as well as providing them with a safe place to study, learn, relax and make new friends.

The extensive refurbishment was largely thanks to Graham Chisnall (one of our Trustees), a NB&GC member in the 1960s. Inspired by fond memories of the club, Graham persuaded colleagues at HDT to back the centre.

The building now boasts amenities such as a café, cinema room, games room, recording studio and radio station to name but a few. Creating a state-of-the-art facility was made possible by a HDT grant of £250,000, which helped to generate further funding to support their work from the following organisations:

  • John Moores Foundation
  • PH Holt
  • Newton Rotary Club
  • Steve Morgan Foundation
  • Henry Smith Foundation
  • Foyle Foundation
  • High Sheriff Fund
  • Tesco Bags of help
  • United Way Uk’s Give Local
  • Duchy of Lancaster
  • Newton Choir
  • Sport England Making a Difference

The funding enabled NB&GC to make a great start, and the plush new facilities are bringing in a steady income from café sales and external user group hire.

The future looks bright for the club, which is making a significant impact on the youth community within its catchment area and we hope they continue to flourish.

Graham Chisnall, HDT Trustee said: “The club have made a great start and I am delighted to see how well it is going. Victoria the club manager has put her heart and soul into making the club a success and it is dedicated people like her who really can and do make a difference”.

Posted on: 26th November 2018