A campaign to deliver accessible activities and support to people in and around Beaminster has raised more than £14,000 in the first week.

The #PBReachingOut has been launched by the Prout Bridge Project, Beaminster's youth club, in a bid to raise £20,000 to buy, kit out and staff a vehicle to enable the charity to visit those within Beaminster and the surrounding villages. The team has received a £6,000 pledge from Sport England Return to Play: Active Together.

In their words: "The words proud and humbled don't quite cut it.

"The community has truly heard our call and helped us raise more than £14,000 in the first week of going live.

"Thank you so much to all of you for your generous support, please keep spreading the word and have an amazing weekend knowing that the Prout Bridge Project will be back out and about soon."

The Prout Bridge Project provides youth work and activity clubs for children and young people from the ages of eight to 18, mental health and wellbeing support for people of all ages - including a counselling service that is free to use - and community outreach and affordable activities for people of all ages.

Paula Tuff, manager at Prout Bridge Project, said: "My first memories of Beaminster Youth Club are as a member myself back in the 1970s. Growing up in Broadwindsor, it was the only place my parents would allow me to go to meet up with friends, so Friday night was the night to look forward to.

"Moving on to the mid 1980s and I am outside the same building, dropping my sons off to attend the junior youth club sessions. One day I was talking to the leader who said that help was needed in the office. I started helping out and within weeks was also volunteering in the club sessions.

"That was the start of my career as a youth worker. Career isn't the right word - I have never considered it a career, it has just always felt as though it was something I was meant to do.

"Since the sadness and changes brought on by Covid, we have to look at other ways to support people and I hope that by raising the money we need to buy an outreach vehicle, we can get out and about, especially whilst people are unable to come to us.

"Thank you - all the young people I have met over 35 years for making my years as a youth worker fun, happy, sometimes sad but most of all worthwhile. Long may the Prout Bridge Project continue."

Prout Bridge also works closely with other services, including the food bank and police and host sessions for specialist organisations like the Space Youth Project (a safe space for Dorset's LGBQT+ young people) and Shores (support for victims of sexual abuse).

Emily, a former user of the Prout Bridge Project, said: "I attended Beaminster Youth Club when I was about 11 years old until I was 16.

"I have the fondest memories of doing arts and crafts, buying penny sweets from the tuck shop, putting my spice girls raised platform shoes on and dancing the evening away at the funky discos.

"Paula provided pastoral support and was there for every single child that walked through the doors. She inspired me when I was about 15 to volunteer at the youth club at junior sessions, where I helped run the tuck shop and facilitate activities such as baking and dance groups. I remember feeling so responsible and proud to be helping younger kids.

"I returned to the Prout Bridge Project about four years ago aged 31 but this time as a mummy. I attended a weekly baby group called Little Wrigglers and once again, I have created the most wonderful memories of meeting new mums with their babies, whilst gaining support as a first time mum. Thank you."

Achieving its #PBReachingOut campaign fundraising target will allow the Prout Bridge Project to:

• Offer fun, play and social reconnection for their young people, with youth clubs and summer activity days running through the summer and beyond, including dance, sports, arts, crafts and games

• Be there for young people to turn to for support and information, including support with issues like bullying, anxiety and low confidence

• Fight loneliness and isolation by running community coffee mornings, food and a friendly ear

• Help people get back to health with sports and fitness activities for people of all ages

• Extend the reach of Beaminster Food Bank by delivering essential supplies to households in need who can't get to Beaminster for collection

• Offer advice services to help people build back after Covid, including a regular job club and Citizen's Advice drop-ins

George Streatfeild, High Sheriff of Dorset, said: "Being able to visit those who are unable to get into town will be a real bonus to their mental welfare and help drive away the feeling of isolation which many have.

"I am so impressed by the imagination and innovation required. I wish you every success as you deserve to raise the money required."

To find out more and to donate, visit crowdfunder.co.uk

Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter below!

You can submit your own news straight to Bridport Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our home page. This can also be done for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local Listings page , also by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us @BridportNubNews on Facebook and Twitter.