Scottish Catholic Observer

St Lucy’s Youth Zone, the parish youth group for primary-aged children, was awarded the incredible sum of £9,840 after a successful application to the National Lottery Fund.

The group, which has been in operation for three years, brings together children from a variety of backgrounds to join in with the many fun activities and events that are organised by the group leaders.

One of the Youth Zone’s organisers and founding members, Natalie Hutchison, addressed St Lucy’s parishioners on Sunday September 24, and was delighted to share with them the group’s fantastic news.

“After months of forms going back and forth between us all, we finally managed to pull together an application for some funding from the National Lottery and we are beyond delighted, if still a tad shocked, to announce that we have been awarded the amazing sum of £9,840,” she said. “This is way beyond anything we had hoped for and will really help us in our hopes for the Youth Zone.”

Mrs Hutchison praised the ‘endless help and support’ of parishioners over the years, which has helped the group provide free events which would normally have cost hundreds of pounds.

“These events alone are helping children to feel included and we want to thank you, though we know it could never really express our full gratitude,” she said.

“Our aim was, and is, to bring children from all backgrounds together, to get to know each other and to be included in whatever we do,” Mrs Hutchison said. “There are always children who, for a variety of different reasons, miss out through no fault of their own and there are so many groups and organisations trying to fill that gap to make sure it happens less often, or preferably, not at all.

“There is something about a sense of community that makes children feel safe and valued and we have that here, in St Lucy’s, in Abronhill.

“Our wonderful school could not support us any more than they do and working so closely together helps us and supports us in what we are trying to achieve—the same applies to you all here in St Lucy’s.

“For children to feel that not only do their own family have their backs, an entire community does too—that’s invaluable.”

It is hoped the new funding will help the group provide more activities for the young people and St Lucy’s welcomes anyone that might be willing to help out to get in touch.