AN MP has praised a project which supports children, young people and their families.

MP for Bishop Auckland, Helen Goodman, called in at the Auckland Youth and Community Centre which was awarded more than £360,000 in 2016 by the Big Lottery Fund.

The funding has enabled the centre to run an activity programme supporting local families, which includes after school clubs, homework clubs and health and wellbeing activities for children and young people.

The centre also works with partners such as the police, to tackle negative behaviour in the community, and Age UK County Durham to run social activities for older people.

During the visit, Helen met with staff and chatted about what National Lottery funding will enable them to do.

She said: “Auckland Youth and Community Centre have done some amazing things with the support of National Lottery funding. From the Pick N Mix parent group to employability workshops, fitness sessions, and activities for kids, AYCC really support the community in Woodhouse Close. There’s a lot of work still to do, and one organisation can’t do everything – but this project has created some really positive outcomes so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.”

David McCreedy, delivery manager at Auckland Youth and Community Centre, added: “It’s been fantastic to welcome Helen here today to show her some of the brilliant work that we’ve been able to do thanks to National Lottery funding. The Widening Horizons Project has been transformational for the youth and community centre, the area and most importantly the local people who use our services. This funding has allowed us to do amazing work and has really inspired a lot people to have a positive outlook on their lives. We are really looking forward to see what the second half of this project has in store for the local community.”

Duncan Nicholson, head of regional funding for the North-East and Cumbria at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “It’s been a pleasure to come and see the difference that the Auckland Youth and Community Centre is making for children, families and the wider community. Their project is a brilliant example of activities and services that have been created by listening to, and really understanding, what matters to local people.”

The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded over £241 million to projects across the UK supporting children and young people.

For more information and to find out more about the National Lottery Fund visit biglotteryfund.org.uk