Harborough youth centre launches huge fundraising effort as it fights to survive the Covid-19 crisis

A leading Market Harborough youth centre is launching a huge fundraising effort as it fights to survive the Covid-19 crisis – and help vulnerable young people.

The Cube in Symington Recreation Ground, off St Mary’s Road, is being battered by the extraordinary pandemic which has turned everyday life upside down.

Charlotte Cooper, 26, the Cube’s youth work manager, is now pulling out all the stops in a bid to stave off disaster.

“None of us have ever lived through such an unprecedented time as this before.

“It’s hit us hard as it’s hit so many other people, organisations, companies and charities,” she said.

“At the Cube we exist within the community in Market Harborough for the community.

“So we are calling on everyone who can afford it to get behind us now and help us get through this.

“The young people of Market Harborough and beyond need us now more than ever.

“So please do all you can to support us as we look to the future.”

The youth centre’s only full-time worker, Charlotte said they had lost at least £12,000 since the coronavirus emergency flared up.

“We desperately need to get back local organisations and set-ups which hire out our space and facilities at the Cube.

“They generate about a third of our income – with the rest coming from fundraising and grants,” she said.

“We just don’t know if we’ll get everyone back as many are struggling charities themselves.

“It’s our 15th birthday this summer.

“We want to celebrate the landmark by asking local people to back us.

“We provide counsellors to mentor, help and support young people.

“These poor kids are suicidal at times.

“Some have parents who are terminally ill, they are in dire need,” said Charlotte, who’s currently locked down in Leicester.

“Waiting lists elsewhere are atrocious.

“It’s critical that our counsellors see these young people as soon as possible.

“The Covid-19 crisis has been a massive trauma to so many young people.

“They have lost what they had – and they are grieving.

“Boys, especially, have been cut off during the long lockdown and need our help.

“The Cube has never been more vital to so many young lives.

“So I’m calling on the generous people of Harborough to please help us all you can.”

If you would like to help Charlotte hit her £5,000 target then go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-cube-fundraiserShe added: "We’re also looking for volunteers to join our team as we work with young people in weekly small groups and one to one as a mentor.

"Sometimes we all just need to feel like there’s someone in our corner, someone to meet up with weekly and just chat about anything and everything that’s happened that week.

"We’d do all the training and support you in that, but if you’re interested, time commitments are flexible around you then please get in touch [email protected]"