Young people to benefit from former Bridgwater Mayors donation

Young people in Bridgwater will soon benefit from a donation given to WestCan by former Bridgwater Mayor, Cllr Diogo Rodrigues.

During Diogo's year in office as Mayor of Bridgwater he had a strong focus on young people and made a commitment to raising money which would go towards youth services in the town.

Diogo with guests at the successful Italian dinner evening at Purplespoon

He held popular fundraising events including quiz nights in local pubs, a Halloween haunted evening at Bridgwater Town Hall and themed dinner evenings at the Purplespoon cafe.

When his year in office came to end the pennies and pounds were counted and in total there was around £2000 available to donate towards programmes that would benefit young people.

Diogo failing to keep up with the Flamenco dancer at a fundraising event at Purplespoon Cafe

Diogo, clearly delighted , said, "I'm so grateful to the people that came along to these events, who took part and donated money to give something to our young people. It wouldn't have been possible without them or the collaboration of key people including Kate at Purplespoon. Thank you!"

Of the £2000, £700 has been donated to the Bridgwater Youth Council for the young people to decide what that money could best be spent on. Diogo adds "Our young people are well placed to decided collectively how best they feel other young people can benefit from this money and I am confident that they will find a meaningful programme or cause to support"

Following discussions with Megan Boucher, the Children, Youth and Family Leader at WestCan, Diogo has donated £1300 to Westfield Church towards a 'Fit & Fed' programme. The programme aims to provide a service during the school holidays which will encourage physical well-being and activity as well as providing a healthy meal for children/young people who may usually be dependent on free school meals.

Megan said, "Holidays and school breaks can be a tricky time for families - especially if they are already facing financial difficulties. We wanted to develop a programme that would be accessible and inclusive to everyone, whilst enabling children and young people to access a free, healthy activity and meal through the holidays. We are delighted to receive this money to help fund a pilot programme and we are looking forward to partnering with others in the community who are doing a great job of supporting local families."

Diogo would like to thank all those who took part in fundraising and who helped along the way - as a result supporting meaningful projects for our young people.

Diogo was committed to raising money to help enhance the lives of young people

For anyone wanting further information about the programme please contact WestCan

Church Office West Street, Bridgwater, Somerset. TA6 7EU

Website: www.westcan.co.uk

Telephone 01278 447153

(9am-12noon, other than Thursdays and Sundays when the office is closed)