Youth Centre given $120,000 grant

Press, 24 April 1987, Page 8

Youth Centre given $120,000 grant

The Christchurch Youth Centre has been given $120,000 to boost its funds over the next three years. The manager of the centre, Mr Martin McPherson, said the grant from the Judge Foundation would be paid out over a three-year period. He said the grant was an indication of the improved image the centre had in the community in the wake of past controversies.

"The Judge Foundation putting money into the Youth centre has given the staffs confidence a real boost,” Mr McPher-

son said. Staff at the centre include Mr McPherson, a recreation officer, a youth worker, and an administration assistant. The money would be used to pay their salaries, Mr McPherson said. Other funding for the centre will come in the form of grants from various organisations. At present the Christchurch City Council is considering giving a $75,000 grant to the centre for the next financial year. The centre provides a variety of facilities for young people including a

drop-in centre during the day with volleyball, a music room, and other facilities. There is also a multi-cultural club and regular discos.

Mr McPherson said the base of young people using the centre had widened. While the centre was still used by street kids during the day, other young people, such as high school pupils, were using the centre at other times.

About 200 young people regularly attended the Friday night discos, he said.