Local youth workers have thanked independent housebuilders, Redcliffe Homes, for their support in helping complete the new hub project at Thornbury Skate Park that gives local youngsters access to face-to-face listening and mentoring and has been recognised as being so worthwhile it has even continued through lockdown.

The ‘Skate Hub Project’ - a brainchild of local charity Krunch South West - has already supported over 100 young people between the age of 9-19 through detached and outreach youth work.

Mandy Parker, marketing and sales coordinator for Redcliffe Homes, said: “When we learned that some electrical work and disabled toilet provision was all that was needed to complete the skate hub project we were only too pleased to help out.

“The new hub now gives young people somewhere to go when they need undivided and confidential attention because they are upset, worried or in need of advice or support.

“We learned of the need through the Redcliffe Foundation, which we founded in 2009 with independent charity Quartet, and we tend to focus our efforts particularly on helping disadvantaged teenagers and environmental issues.

“Our foundation also funds a wide range of individuals and groups within the local community and in 2020, for example, we donated over £29,000 towards a wide range of local and national charities chosen by our staff, making a small contribution towards the invaluable work carried out by each of them.”

The charities supported by Redcliffe Homes have included The Salvation Army, Mind, local foodbanks, the GEM boccia club in Yate, Cancer Research, WWF, Barnardos and Julian House.

Penny Baker, project manager for Krunch, said: “The pod has been used during the Coronavirus pandemic as an invaluable resource for the local community.

“Young people have been involved in the decoration and renovation of the unit and now the local council are considering investing in the skate park attached to the pod.

“During the summer we were able to offer outreach sessions to young people following Government guidelines on safety, and these sessions enabled young people to access much-needed activities and support during this difficult time.

“A group for young people with special needs has also been established and is hugely successful.

“We are so very appreciative of the support of Redcliffe Homes which has helped make this possible.” Further details on Krunch South West can be found here: www.krunch.org.uk/krunch-sw/

Redcliffe Homes is an award-winning independent house building company which focuses on creating desirable homes in the most sought-after locations throughout the South West including – currently –

Wrington in North Somerset, Upavon in Wiltshire and the new Rowden Park Garden Village in Chippenham. More details at www.redcliffehomes.co.uk.