Cash grant boost for PIP group

The £5,000 donation was provided by the Santander Foundation, which offers Discovery Grants to UK registered charities for projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.

Play Inclusion Project is a registered charity based in Fleetwood that promotes the social inclusion of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities.

The Transition Project will start in May and provide a safe, sociable and secure setting for young people to meet socially and make new friends.

Organised and structured activities that incorporate the learning and enhancement of life skills will be on offer.

Charity manager Joanne Barnes said: “The Discovery Grant from Santander is fantastic news as we have been seeking funding for our Transition Project for a while now.

“The project will make a huge difference to the young people’s lives as they will have a regular social activity to attend and an opportunity to learn and develop life skills which will equip them for independent living.”

The project will be delivered by a qualified Project Worker and volunteers will provide 1:1 support.

The young people who attend will run their own tuck shop, buy shopping to cook their own tea, learn sewing, gardening and budgeting. They will also be supported in the community to learn about the local facilities available to them.

Amy Slack, the manager at the Santander Foundation, said: “Our branch is committed to playing a key part in the community.

“So we are delighted to be supporting Play Inclusion Project, and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”