A POPULAR youth club has been handed a lifeline by bosses at a convenience store in Horndean.
Sam Gurney has thanked the Southern Co-operative for its ongoing support as its £500 grant will keep Horndean Youth Club (HYC) going for another year.
The funding application, which was lodged by staff at the Kings Mede store, comes nine months after the retailer donated £500 to meet the club’s start-up costs.
The club, which is aimed at youngsters aged 8 to 18, is open between 6pm and 8pm in Rkdia on Portsmouth Road on the first and third Thursday of every month.
Membership is rising weekly but Mr Gurney admits the club’s future was “touch and go” before the cheque from the retailer’s ‘Love your Neighbourhood’ kitty arrived in the post.
“We applied for a Southern Co-operative grant this time last year and that money enabled us not only to get the club started but also kept it going,” said the group co-ordinator.
“For the last seven months we haven’t had a single session where we haven’t welcomed a new member but our income has been a bit touch and go at times.
“This latest grant will pay the rent for the entire year so it’s brilliant that the Southern Co-operative keep supporting us. They’ve really given us a lifeline.”
Youngsters can watch a film, chill out with friends or try their hand at various crafts, PlayStation, Wii or Xbox games in the club.
Mr Gurney, a qualified teacher, is trying to secure further funding as he would like to extend sessions by an hour to include a homework club.
For more details about HYC contact Mr Gurney on 07855 532878 or visit www.facebook.com/horndeanyc