Pudsey grants funds to Five Lamps

Playing pool, and chilling out at the 'Youthy'

A Children in Need grant of £28,563 has given a boost to a project that helps young people with special needs.

The Five Lamps Organisation, based in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, used the money to fund six staff, enabling them to start a new Friday night youth club.

The club caters specifically for disabled and special needs young people in the North East.

Ahead of the 2009 campaign, we caught up with Graeme Oram from The Five Lamps to find out how the money was spent.

"The three year grant has funded the salaries of six staff, enabling a Friday evening special needs 'Youthy'." Explains Chief Executive Graeme Oram from The Five Lamps.

"The project has provided young people, with special needs or disabilities, with a place to go and socialise, to make new friends, take part in activities and relax in a safe environment.

"The project has been successful with the membership increasing and a further range of activities being developed to meet the needs of the young people."

It is hoped that the project will increase the confidence and self esteem of it's attendees and give them an opportunity to learn, develop and have fun.

Enjoying the Friday night 'Youthy'

"New members are being introduced to this project via word of mouth and positive feedback from current users.

"This indicates to us that the project is providing disadvantaged young people with a positive service"

What is the future for the 'Youthy'?

"One of our concerns was whether there was the scale of demand for such a service.

"We have however, had a consistent demand, so we are looking to build on the foundations established with Children in Need's support, and develop further projects with the young people.

"We are in the process of establishing a working group from the young people to develop an allotment project to get these young people involved in a project that will be educational, interactive and fun, and outdoors."