Market Harborough and the Bowdens Charity column: How we have supported youngsters in Harborough

Market Harborough and the Bowdens Charity (MHBC) is here for everyone in Market Harborough, Great Bowden and Little Bowden, no matter what their age.

However, we are pleased to have supported young people as individuals, particularly through our education grants, and many of the organisations working with young people in the area.

Uniformed organisations have always been strong in Harborough and we have supported a variety of their activities in recent years.

These include providing funds towards the costs of a vehicle for the Sea Cadets. Throughout the year they transport around 52 cadets to weekly sessions in water-based training for skills such as kayaking, canoeing and rowing.

We have also provided funding for the ATC Rifle Range and helped Explorer Scouts from the Market Harborough District Scouts to attend jamborees in West Virginia and Gdansk.

Mental health in adults is an issue which we are increasingly addressing at MHBC. We are also supporting local youth charities working with vulnerable children and young people.

High Impact Education Services (HIES) is running Enterprise Clubs in primary and middle schools upcycling donated products to giveaway or sell as part of a programme to support

children with social, emotional or mental health issues. MHBC is supporting the programme by providing a grant for materials.

The Harborough District Young People’s Charity (HCYC) is doing fantastic work with young people in the area providing services and projects for vulnerable and isolated young people

between the ages of 5 and 18. In 2016 MHBC provided funding for three years for a youth worker, and has also given grants towards the costs of the Speak Out magazine produced by

young people for young people, and towards the overall costs of the organisation which also runs a Young Parents’ Project, a Young Carers’ Project (for VASL), and the Chill Out Bus.

MHBC has been involved with the Cube - run by Harborough Youth and Community Trust (HYACT) – since its inception and has been pleased to support it with a number of grants.

The Cube is currently being used to capacity and providing activities for a wide range of age groups. Working in conjunction with Bower House, it also hosts training courses to equip

counsellors to work with children and young people.

If you are involved with an organisation working with young people in Market Harborough, Great Bowden or Little Bowden and think we might be able to help you please get in touch.

There is more information on our website at www.mhbcharity.co.uk, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube or give us a ring on 01858 419128.