Grant Visit To Unity Gym
Unity Gym Project in Sheffield is one of the groups that has received funding in the latest grants round from the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit.
The Gym based in the centre of Sheffield currently provides a range of services to support young people and families including a community gym for young people to access throughout the day, a weekly youth club, girls youth club, weekend football sessions, 1:1 mentoring, detach youthwork as well as providing responsive conflict resolution, which includes home visits and community support following serious youth violence.
The charity, which has served its community for over a decade, seeks to empower young people and families to take ownership of their own development. The funding from the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Fund will ensure that Unity Gym Project can continue to engage with up to 40 young people from different cultures across Sheffield, keeping them engaged in positive activities.
Saeed Barasab, Managing Director at Unity Gym Project said: “This funding is most welcome at a time when we really need to be supporting young people.
“Unity Gym Project is not just a fitness complex, we offer much more to the young people in a safe ‘non-judgmental’ space, providing them with the skills to walk away from violence, understand the consequences of conflict within their communities and make positive life choices.
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the Violence Reduction Executive Board recently went along to visit Unity Gym Project. He said: “Unity Gym is a lifeline for the many young people who go there. It is not just a place where young people can keep fit. It is something of a sanctuary for them to find friendship and support. Several of those I spoke to told me how the staff and volunteers were role models for them. Others said that without it they could so easily become involved in anti-social behaviour or worse. I am pleased we can give the Project this financial help.”
Unity Gym Project is based in Broomhall, Sheffield. To find out more about the charity and the support available, please follow them on Twitter @UnityGymProject or visit their website – unitygym.org/
