A COMMUNITY project that helps young people and adults make positive changes in their lives has received a funding boost from a high street building society.

Horticultural project, Cultivate 4 Life received £255 from the Bishop Auckland branch of Darlington Building Society after it raised £55 from a raffle, which was then boosted by a donation of £200 from the society’s community fund.

Branch manager, Karen Collingwood was inspired to fundraise for the environmentally friendly scheme after visiting during an open day, during which she saw how it helps create better prospects for its participants.

Cultivate 4 Life is run by the Bishop Auckland Community Partnership which aims to support its users in Bishop Auckland and the surrounding areas with their current circumstances and needs by providing gardening activities and by putting them in touch with partner agencies.

Based at the Woodhouse Close allotments, the horticultural project aims to help school-children and vulnerable adults develop life and social skills, as well as increasing their employment opportunities by boosting self-confidence, teaching self-enterprise and providing a routine of work.

Ms Collingwood said: “I’ve been aware of the unique work that Cultivate 4 Life does for some time and I am very pleased to be able to make a contribution to help support their activities.”