Talented Hull youngsters get chance to shine with help from KCOM

The Hull Phoenix Project, which reopened the North Bransholme Community Centre last year, was awarded £500 to renovate its stage equipment that will enable it to stage concerts, talent shows and fairs.

As well as buying new microphones, the money will go towards repairing the centre’s stage lights and installing a new sound system.

Centre manager Delivon Francis, said the grant will enable the centre to host more successful events such as the recent Bransholme’s Got Talent show.

She said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the support. The centre was closed for three years before we reopened it last August and needs a lot of work to get it back up to standard.

“This money will enable us to buy the equipment we need to put shows on like Bransholme’s Got Talent which was a huge hit earlier this year and brought together so many people in the community – both the children who were taking part and their really proud parents.

“This year we had to beg and borrow the equipment to put the show on. Now next year we’ll be able to do it bigger and better – and we know we already have people excited about taking part.”

Since rising from the ashes last year, the Phoenix Centre has become a focal point of the Bransholme community, says Delivon, hosting events such as art classes, adult learner sessions and a myriad of social and community activities.

“It’s been great to hear some of the stories of the people who use the centre,” she says.

“One lady who attends our art class says it has changed her life, improved her health and given her more confidence. It has inspired another lady who attended our maths sessions to look into a new career as a teaching assistant.

“It’s gratifying to know the centre is really making a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Brendon Smurthwaite, KCOM’s community coordinator, said: “We’re delighted that our community grants are helping to make a real difference to people’s lives. The Hull Phoenix Project is a brilliant example of what a strong community working together can achieve and we hope their next Bransholme’s Got Talent show helps unearth some stars of the future.”

Delivon added work at the Phoenix Project never ends and the Lothian Way centre is always on the lookout for new volunteers to donate their time and skills – whether that be gardening, cleaning to helping to run its Facebook page.

Other groups who successfully applied for one of KCOM’s quarterly community grants in June include the Special Stars Foundation, which provides support for people with disabilities and their families; Stockwell Academy, which is creating a gardening club for youngsters; and KIDS Yorkshire and Humber, which will use its grant to buy sensory equipment for disabled children.

Anyone who is interested in helping at the Phoenix Project can contact Delivon by calling 01482 330410 or emailing alphaeducommunity@gmail.com

To apply for a KCOM community grant visit www.kcomhome.com/community