£5,000 windfall for "first-class Dinnington youth centre

YOUTH venture Jade was praised by the region’s police commissioner — who said: “Every area could benefit from such a centre.”
Lisa Williams, lead delivery worker, Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner and Sam Oldroyd, JADE youth and community chief executive officerLisa Williams, lead delivery worker, Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner and Sam Oldroyd, JADE youth and community chief executive officer
Lisa Williams, lead delivery worker, Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner and Sam Oldroyd, JADE youth and community chief executive officer

Dr Alan Billings visited the group’s Dinnington base to present £5,000 from his community grant scheme.

Jade, which began as “just another dance event” in Kiveton more than 20 years ago, has worked with more than 600 youngsters in the past 12 months.

Dr Billings described the New Road centre as a comfortable and welcoming place for young people to meet, make music and play games.

He added: “Jade offers 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 chief executive Sam Oldroyd 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.

“We work with hundreds of young people a week, and thanks to the commissioner we’ll be able to provide the support they need to live safer, happier and healthier lives and ensure they are able to reach their full potential.”

Jade is open four nights a week, with a junior youth club from 4pm to 6pm and seniors from 6pm to 8pm. 

See jadeyouthandcommunity.co.uk for details.

From left: Jade lead delivery worker Lisa Williams; police commissioner Dr Alan Billings; and Jade chief executive Sam Oldroyd

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