The CORE, home of the Upton Priory Youth & Community Project, is celebrating becoming part of Cheshire Connected Communities, a scheme led by Cheshire East Council to make a wider range of activities and support services available on local residents' doorsteps. The CORE is based in the recently-refurbished Community Hub of the Church of the Resurrection in Upton Priory, and local MP, David Rutley, joined the group for a community BBQ to highlight the official launch of the service.
The local youth group that meets at The CORE aims to provide a change of scene and a place for young people from school year six and upwards to relax and feel safe, and talk about any problems or issues that they are facing, in a friendly and supportive environment. Additionally, a number of activities for younger children are available free of charge at the weekend.
At the well-attended event, David met with the Church's Youth Minister, Andrea Fitton, and The CORE's administrator, Laura Walmsley, to learn more about the service and to get an update on how it hopes to support yet more young people as part of the Cheshire Connected Communities initiative. David also joined Cllr Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council’s Adult Social Care and Integration Portfolio Holder, to see some of the facilities available for the young people at the CORE.
Connected Communities Centres aim to deliver services tailored for their community, from coffee mornings, computer classes and line dancing, to learning a language, or sharing a problem. Residents can find information, advice, activities and services in their area on the Live Well Communities website: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/connected-communities/connected-communities-centres.aspx
Speaking after his visit, David said, "The CORE is an important and much-valued service for local young people and it is great that this positive role has been recognised with the centre being named as a Connected Communities hub. It was good to see such a strong reception from the local community for the new service, and I hope that it continues to go from strength to strength in the weeks and months ahead."