Member Article

Stilt walkers on a real high

Stilt walkers in Hartlepool are on a real high thanks to a much-needed grant from the Tees Valley Community Foundation (TVCF). The stilt walkers from Walking Tall – which provides stilt walking and circus skills training to young people throughout Hartlepool – are celebrating after receiving £5,480 from the Tees Valley Community Foundation.

Pauline Pounder, community development manager for the Headlands Group which manages the club, said: “We don’t just provide a place for young people to socialise but also to learn new skills. The grant will help us improve our services and equipment so that we can provide a professional standard of training. “We have more than 20 members at present so the money will help us to get more people to come and take part in activities through marketing.”

Hugh McGouran, chief executive of the TVCF, said: “The real secret of success in projects that work with young people is engagement, to be able to grab their interest and keep it, so that they can become part of something truly positive. And from that height, who could fail to feel positive about themselves.”

The Local Network Fund for Children and Young People (LNF) supports small voluntary and community groups to improve outcomes and opportunities for those aged 0-19, with grants from £250 to £7000. Those hoping to apply for LNF funding are urged to visit www.everychildmatters.gov.uk for details.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .