Lanarkshire youth group fears for future over possible council funding cut

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Lanarkshire youth organisation fears for its future as vital funding is set to be cut by North Lanarkshire Council. Bellshill and Mossend YMCA's board and staff have been left in shock by the recent publication of a proposal by North Lanarkshire Council’s Education, Children and Families Committee to withdraw essential funding for their early and effective intervention youth work programme.

The funding which has been in place for over 12 years, has supported hundreds of young people across North Lanarkshire to realise their potential and move towards positive destinations through one to one mentoring with a positive role model.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Nichola O’Brien, Chair of the YM Board, said: “I appeal to the Education, Children and Families Committee and indeed all councillors to recognise and consider our long-standing relationship with North Lanarkshire Council and the quality of the service we have provided on their behalf for many years.“Any decision to defund our organisation could have a profound and devastating impact not only on this essential programme for vulnerable young people but could close an organisation steeped in local history, that has served the communities we love for 100 years.”The YMCA, which has been in existence for over 100 years, is a much loved