Youth centre charity shop marks one year

A CHARITY shop for youth services has marked its first anniversary of trading with a big celebration.
First birthday of Electric Storm Youth charity shop in Lancing - ESY Directors, Volunteers SUS-150704-085604001First birthday of Electric Storm Youth charity shop in Lancing - ESY Directors, Volunteers SUS-150704-085604001
First birthday of Electric Storm Youth charity shop in Lancing - ESY Directors, Volunteers SUS-150704-085604001

The Electric Storm Youth charity shop in North Road, Lancing, marked its first birthday with patron MP Tim Loughton cutting the cake a year after he officially opened the site.

Senior ambassador Olive Leonard, said: “Never in our wildest dreams did we believe it would be such a success.

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“We could never have persevered to open the shop without the hard work and encouragement of so many people including Joy Hartley, and our amazing team of happy shop volunteers led by Maxine Gunton, who spends hours sorting, cleaning and arranging window displays.”

Chairman of directors Marion Peskett, said: “We are so pleased with the success of the shop and grateful to everyone who supports it.

“It has enabled us to employ our senior youth worker, Sarah Prust, and Stefan Hartzhorne, our administrator together with funding our ongoing Saturday sessions for young people in Lancing and Sompting.”

The long-term plan of Electric Storm Youth is to build a new youth and community centre on part of the former Freshbrook School site in the heart of Lancing.

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This will include a large multi-use sports hall, outdoor climbing wall, multi-gym, large café and kitchen, meeting rooms and club area.

The shop is helping towards some costs for this, but a programme of fundraising events along with applications to grant-making trusts and foundations will help to bring in the estimated £2million required.

The Saturday sessions are open to 11 to 16-year-olds and run weekly in term time at the Alternative Provision College, in Grinstead Lane, Lancing.

Mrs Peskett said: “Those attending tell us that it is a safe, fun place, where they get to meet new people and spend time with their friends.

“The range of activities include sport, cooking and crafts. We also offer the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

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