EDF Energy supports Bridgwater youngsters’ furniture project
Youngsters in Bridgwater are swapping their video games for hand-tools as they learn to make and sell furniture as part of an innovative project supported by EDF Energy.
Outdoor Challenge, a Bridgwater based charity for young people, received a grant of £720 from EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C Neighbourhood Fund to help support the new craft evenings which see reclaimed timber made into saleable furniture.
Outdoor Challenge was established to offer young people alternatives to competitive sports and provide tasters of physical pursuits like cycling, fishing and caving. Their new furniture venture, conceived as a warmer offering during the winter months, enables children to learn skills, get out of the house and meet new friends.
Peter Savage, Senior Volunteer at Outdoor Challenge commented, “We’re really pleased to have received this award from EDF Energy as it enables us to continue with activities during the winter. As an organisation, we place emphasis on healthy living by simply getting outdoors and doing things – as often children spend too much time indoors focused on solitary pursuits. The furniture workshops are really taking-off and by selling what we manufacture we’re able to fund some of the more expensive outdoor pursuits later in the year.”
From garden benches to bookcases, the product range is growing as the children’s interest and skill level increases. A website has even been launched to take orders.
Ross Edwards, Communications Manager for EDF Energy dropped in at a recent workshop and commented, “EDF Energy is proud to support Outdoor Challenge which helps young people sample activities they might not otherwise have considered.”
ENDS
Caption: Ross Edwards, Communications Manager at EDF Energy (centre) with Peter Savage Senior Volunteer (left) and attendees Michelle Jacob and Jonathan Parkin – plus an assortment of their furniture.
For media enquiries please contact Tom Johnson or Gordon Bell in the EDF Energy Press Office: Tel: 01452 65 22 33
Notes:
Outdoor Challenge
Outdoor Challenge is a voluntary Bridgwater based organisation that was set up to promote healthy living by helping young people engage in physical activity. Outdoor Challenge target young people who are not involved in conventional physical activity either because they have never been given the chance, or perhaps because they have lost confidence. At present 50 children are members of the club.
www.outdoorchallenge.org.uk To see the children’s furniture visit: www.reco-furniture.co.uk
EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C Neighbourhood Fund
The discretionary Hinkley Point C Neighbourhood Fund was established to provide monies to local charities, community groups and projects in close proximity to the proposed Hinkley Point C development. The fund is administered by the Somerset Community Foundation, which has longstanding expertise in this activity. It also manages funds for other large organisations.
www.somersetcf.org.uk