Funding of £498 from the Hanwill Fund helped The Friends Hub to provide a range of sporting activities for young people aged between 11 and 18 from a range of ethnic backgrounds over a six month period last year. The ongoing sessions cover boxing, football, and table tennis as well as sporting trips, and are aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour that is mainly drug-related around the Highfields area of Leicester.
The Hub also helps the young people back into education or employment where it can, by providing assistance with CVs, filling in application forms and developing interview skills. Run five days a week by volunteers, the sessions are designed to empower the young people to become better citizens, preventing crime as well as helping those who are already stuck in a cycle of crime and anti-social behaviour to make better choices.
The Friends Hub is a voluntary group which was set up to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Highfields and Stoneygate wards of Leicester.
Users of The Hub have reported one huge benefit of the boxing training in particular is that it brings discipline into their lives and helps give them control over their anger problems. This effectively keeps them out of trouble as well as giving them a safe place to meet and ‘hang out’ in the local area.
For information on how to set up your own charitable giving fund, please contact Katy Green at Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation on 0116 262 4804.
