Halesowen shop to hold fundraiser to open a community centre and youth club
An arts and crafts shop in the Black Country is set to raise money to open a community centre and youth club to help people learn new skills.
Rhianne Yafai, owner of The Craft House in Halesowen, has put together a series of free activities – and a raffle – on Monday to raise funds.
And the money will be used into turning a nearby shop into a place where adults and young people can go and learn skills, including carpentry and CV writing.
It comes amid a lack of activities – and places to go – for young people in Shell Corner, where the shop is located, and a need for something to change.
Rhianne, who lives in the neighbourhood, said: "Everything seems to be going on at the minute and we wanted something nice to happen for a change, so we're looking at opening a skills centre to adults learn life skills – and to support young people as well.
"There's a bunch of fees and costs and stuff, so without taking it out of my own business, we're appealing for everyone's help really. There will be a manager there and it'll be like a drop-in centre.
"A lot of people don't know how to write a CV, or apply for jobs, and a lot haven't know got computers – and everything is online nowadays.
"We're hoping to get some young people in and teach them skills like carpentry, sewing and stuff like that."
The 28-year-old, who has previously helped to create a community garden in the area, said there had been a lack of things for young people to do.
She added: "There was a youth club around here but it's gone now – and there's a lot needed around here.
"We've got kids who are hanging around parks and streets because there's nothing for them to do, so we're hoping to change that – it'll be somewhere they can go to."
The fundraising event will take place at the shop between 10am to 4pm – with free activities on offer for families and youngsters, along with prizes and a bouncy castle.
