Young people benefit from wind farm funded water sports activities

Local charity provides water sports activities for children and young peoplehttps://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_4198-small.jpgcenterhttps://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_4198-small.jpgcentermodule_group modules https://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ATAC-full-group-small.jpg Young people preparing for their afternoon of activity

Coquet Shorebase Trust received an award of £4,940 from the Ventient Sisters North Steads Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund at the Community Foundation to provide water sports for young residents of Hadston, Widdrington and Broomhill.

Six introductory water sports and water safety sessions were provided free-of-charge to year 4 classes in Widdrington, Red Row and Broomhill First Schools, who had the opportunity to try kayaking and paddleboarding, whilst developing their confidence on the water and improving their teamworking skills.

Vic Brown, Manager of the Coquet Shorebase Trust added

“On behalf of Coquet Shorebase Trust, I’d like to say a huge thank you for the continued support of the Ventient Sisters North Steads Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund at the Community Foundation.

1 https://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_4771-small.jpg Young people taking part in canoeing sessions to improve confidence on the water

“Funding has enabled us to run eighteen free Saturday morning water sports sessions for young people aged eight to 16 years. With our six sessions for the Widdrington, Red Row and Broomhill First Schools, this meant nearly every Year 4 pupil in the wind farm catchment area was able to attend at least one session, and had the opportunity to carry on with regular activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and paddleboards.  Sessions were also run for youth groups such as Widdrington ATAC and Hadston House.

“Sessions help to improve the confidence for young people on the water, and we’re delighted to see the enthusiasm of our participants who grow win confidence with every session.  Some have gone on to join one of our affiliated clubs, and even to do voluntary work with us.

Pete Barrett, Senior Programme Advisor at the Community Foundation added:

“The Ventient Sisters North Steads Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund at the Community Foundation aims to support community groups within a 5km radius of the Sisters and North Steads Wind Farm, with priority given to those within a 3km radius.

“With funding from £500 up to £10,000, this provides a fantastic opportunity for local organisations such as the Coquet Shorebase Trust to access funding, making the area a great place to live and work.”

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