A local city councillor has donated their ward grant to a youth project which has been hailed as having an ‘lasting and unquestionable impact’ on the community.
Councillor Zoe Nolan, who represents Loughton & Shenley ward, has given the full £1,000 of her annual ward grant to Reignite – a detached youth project that aims to connect with young people and have a positive impact on their lives.
Reignite sees a team of volunteers drive across the city to create pop-up activity sessions in areas where young people socialise. The fully trained volunteers travel to different estates in the Reignite van, bringing along a panna cage and sports equipment to engage youths in a fun environment.
Councillor Nolan’s £1,000 donation will allow the project to purchase further equipment, conduct training, and cover day-to-day running costs. She said: “On-the-ground community initiatives are key way to engage with our young people. Over time, the volunteers become role models that are trusted to provide advice and guidance.
"That is why initiatives like Reignite are crucial in supporting teenagers through tough times, ensuring they can develop their skills while getting support in a positive environment. I’m pleased that my ward grant will help the volunteers at Reignite continue their great work that will have a lasting and unquestionable impact on the community.”
The project works in partnership with charity Redeeming Our Communities, Safer MK, and Loughton Baptist Church. Reverend Nathan Marlam of Loughton Baptist Church is the project lead for Reignite: “We’re pleased to be partnering with so many people of goodwill who desire to make a positive impact in the community. Many of those involved with this project so far are volunteers which speaks so positively of the people of this city and in particular Loughton itself.
“We are grateful to Councillor Zoe Nolan for her kindness to us; it means so much to us when others recognise the good work being done. It's an investment into the future of the project enabling us to continue serving the young people of this city.”
