An Onchan-based youth club which supports people aged 11 to 18 has been awarded a Manx Lottery Trust grant, which will enable refurbish and enhance its facilities.

Kenyon’s Café offers young people a relaxed and safe place where they can connect with friends, and also access advice and support where necessary. It aims to empower young individuals, encourage them to make meaningful changes in their communities, and also act as a positive distraction from anti-social behaviour.

There are 4 drop-in sessions per week at its base, which are all free of charge to ensure it can be accessed by all.

The grant of £2,300 will enable the youth club to purchase new furniture, a TV and construction materials as part of a refurbishment which includes the removal of a wall into an unused store room, creating much-needed extra space for those attending.

Martin Macfarlane, Trustee at Kenyon’s Café, said: ‘We’re excited to get this project underway, which is required to accommodate our young people comfortably. As well as offering a space where they can do things they enjoy alongside their peers, we are also proud to be able to provide vital support if needed.

‘Thank you very much Manx Lottery Trust, for enabling us to maximise our potential, and continue being a pillar of the Onchan community’.

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘We very much appreciate the work that Kenyon’s Café do for young people in Onchan and surrounding areas. We hope the alterations project is a success, and it enhances the overall experience for those attending the sessions.’

The drop-in sessions at Kenyon’s Café are Tuesday – Thursday 6:30 – 8:30pm, and Friday 7:00 – 10:00pm. For more information, head to www.kenyons.im

This grant is from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Smaller Grants Programme. Manx Lottery Trust has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money from The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more, head to: www.mlt.org.im/