Youth service in Cirencester wins cash help (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Play Gloucestershire Play Rangers wins cash help for Chesterton youth service

6:30am Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Laura Shack

A "LIFE-CHANGING" youth service in Cirencester has been secured for another year thanks to a funding boost.

Cirencester Town Council has agreed to fund Play Gloucestershire’s Play Rangers scheme in Chesterton, which costs £4,500 per year.

The weekly after-school and day sessions provide an invaluable chance for children from often disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in a host of activities, including den-making, arts and crafts and sports, in a safe and supervised environment.

The council started funding the scheme after Lottery grants stopped 2011. Last year around 1,150 local children enjoyed the sessions at Two-Acres Field in Chesterton.

While the activities are aimed at children aged seven to 14 years, rural play ranger Katie Spencer said they never turn a child away.

"They know we will be here every week without fail. That’s massively important, sometimes life-changing, for children who don’t have that consistency at home," she said.

"Our support comes somewhere between a big brother and a youth worker.

"It’s free outdoor fun and it gives parents the chance to have a break too, which is important."

Play ranger sessions are held every Monday from 4pm to 6pm and from 10am to 4pm during school holidays.

Find out more at playgloucestershire.org.uk