A YOUTH project is celebrating after being awarded a £10,000 grant.

The Sycamore Project, a Christian charity which runs Zac’s Youth Bar activities in Farnworth and the surrounding areas, secured the funding from the Coalfield Community Investment Programme delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The money will be used to deliver a series of courses, purchase a projector, projector screen, cover volunteer expenses and additional overheads and continue to provide help for disadvantaged children and young people in the town.

The project works with more than 1,200 people each year through Zac’s Youth Bars, Zac’s personal development activities, and the weekly Zac’s Teens evening for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities.

Matt Moreton, CEO of the Sycamore Project, said: “Without the support and funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust we would not be in a position to deliver these courses which make such a difference to the young people we work with.

“Whether the course is accredited or not, those that get involved learn skills that will support their journey into part and full-time work, giving them confidence and something to aspire to.”

A £10,000 grant was also awarded to Antz Junction, the charity which has a branch in Bolton and Swinton, provides people living in some of the most deprived areas with work experience.

Head of operations (England) for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Andy Lock added: “It is thanks to organisations likes Zac’s Youth Bar that young people in Bolton can gain accreditations that will support their future career prospects.

““With coalfield communities, such as Bolton, Salford and Wigan, within the Greater Manchester region, benefiting from the support offered by Antz Junction it certainly meets with our objectives to redirect resource into these areas which then makes a real and lasting difference.”

CEO of Antz Junction, Jen Pemberton said: “We believe that every person should be given the chance to reach their full potential. That’s why we provide as many people as we can with opportunities that will improve their prospects, which in turn will have a wider impact on their friends and families.”

Zac’s Youth Bar is still appealing for new volunteers to come forward.

For more information, email office@zacsyouthbars.co.uk or call 01204 706 200.