Marlborough Area Youth Forum receive cheque from Nationwide as their chosen charity

Lisa Farrell, Teresa Sugden and Ann Marr from the Marlborough Area Youth Forum popped into Nationwide Building Society in the High Street this morning (Wednesday 28 January) to receive a cheque for just over £1,000 – as chosen charity for the funds raised in Nationwide’s recent Christmas raffle.

“Very welcome and very important” said Lisa and “Lots of thanks to Nationwide and all their customers who made this possible” she added.

The Marlborough Area Youth Forum helps the young of the town from its base in the Youth Centre at the Salisbury Road recreation area.

This award will help with the rent for the centre, equipment used and also go towards helping give hot meals to the 100 or so youths from the area who attend the centre twice a week. “Our food bills have gone from £50 a session to almost a £100 a session.” explained Lisa.

“We provide a safe space plus we are there to help, and to listen.” But Lisa and her volunteers always need more, in donations and also in time and effort. All volunteers will be subject to a DBS check as safeguarding is a must. ‘What else do you need?’ we asked Lisa. “We are in desperate need still for a chef to do 3.5 hours every Wednesday and Friday at £15 an hour”. Lisa then noted and thanked the Area Board for their contribution which covered the cost of the chef.

Next major fund raising event will be on Saturday 2 May, the May Bank Holiday Weekend when there will be a music event. This one with a bit of expert help from Lee Matthews who organises the annual ElcotFest and is involved in many of the other music events that happen during the year, including the Parade Festival and many Sound Knowledge sessions. So a day not to be missed with all proceeds going towards helping the young of Marlborough.