HAFWAY youth project awarded grant transforming services

One of the project has described the cash handout as a 'life-changing' amount which will help to transform services for young people in Halliwell – providing them with a ‘first-class facility’.

HAFWAY Youth Project has been awarded the grant to renovate and extend its youth service offer to young people across Bolton.

It means that HAFWAY will be able to support many more young people when the project is complete.

The project has received a government  Youth Investment Fund grant of £1,503,072.

Work is due to start on site at the beginning of April and the service should open its doors to young people by September.

The new refurbishment marks an exciting development in the life of HAFWAY as they enter their 26th year of supporting young people in Halliwell.

Many of the young people currently supported by HAFWAY played a key role with design ideas and had significant input in the funding bid to the Youth Investment Fund.

The renovated building, St Paul’s Parish Centre on Halliwell Road, will become a  youth centre offering a wide range of activities and services for young people aged 11-19.

Moira Frew, HAFWAY project manager, said: “This funding is a huge investment for the young people and community of Halliwell.

“Young people in our community face so many challenges and disadvantages but this funding will provide them with a first-class facility where they can be safe, where they can learn new skills and where they can be given the support and help to transition well into adulthood.”

One of HAFWAY’s young volunteers, Muhammad Adam Nawaz, 17, said “HAFWAY has really helped me grow and develop from being a young person who attended HAFWAY to being a more mature young adult and volunteer.

“This extra funding will no doubt help more young people who come to HAFWAY evolve into positive young adults in their community.”

HAFWAY is one of 140 youth centres in England to benefit from the Youth Investment Fund grant, announced by the funder, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the charity Social Investment Business, who is delivering the grant programme in partnership with Key Fund, National Youth Agency, and Resonance.

HAFWAY youngsters take part in activities (Image: HAFWAY)

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The Youth Investment Fund, of more than £300 million, aims to build, renovate, or extend youth services in the parts of the country where new spaces and new opportunities are most needed.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “I want to see every young person have someone to talk to, something to do, and somewhere to go outside of the classroom, no matter where they are from, to help maximise their potential in life.

“This next round of funding from the Youth Investment Fund will help nearly 20,000 more young people achieve this goal.

“We have now committed to building or refurbishing over 220 projects in some of the country’s most undeserved areas, creating more opportunities for young people to gain the skills needed to succeed in life and stopping them from falling through the cracks.”

Nick Temple, CEO for Social Investment Business, that leads the delivery partnership said: “The Youth Investment Fund is transforming the youth service landscape right across the country, enabling youth centres of all shapes and sizes to enhance their services and reach more young people.

“The Youth Investment Fund is truly unlocking potential and creating a legacy for future generations of young people in communities like this across the country.”

Two Bolton groups received the funding; HAFWAY and Lostock (25th Bolton) Scout Group.

Lostock (25th Bolton) Scout Group prepare young people with skills for life. Investing in the youth of today for future generations.

The 25th Bolton Scouts Group is dedicated to helping young people to make the most of life by taking part in the many activities organised by the leaders.

They have also been awarded funding of £100,823.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.