Strangford charity seeking public backing in grant vote

Strangford charity seeking public backing in grant vote

15 August 2012

FRIENDS of Glebe House in Kilclief have urged local people to cast their votes in a competition that could lead to a new £5,000 play area for the facility.

Glebe House is hoping to secure the winning grant from the Lloyds TSB Community Fund, which would enable the redevelopment of a field at the back of the premises into a play and nature area.

Since its establishment in 1975, Glebe House has provided disadvantaged children with the opportunity to mix with children from other communities in a bid to help create a more inclusive society.

Around 3,000 children, who come from across Ireland but who are mostly from the surrounding areas, use the house every year and Ms. Helen Honeyman, chairwoman of Harmony Community Trust, which runs Glebe House, said these children would benefit greatly if the award is made for the play area.

“By continuing to develop our back field into a play and nature area for young people who visit Glebe House,” she said.

“Participants in our Teens Together programme will plant more willow structures and devise nature trails, as well other work.

“It will be a special feature at Glebe House that will be enjoyed by those staying with us and the local community, growing and developing over the years.

“This exciting and educational free play area will be partly designed and constructed by the young people themselves, adding to their sense of ownership and year round enjoyment of the natural environment.

“Children and young people in the immediate area will be able to use the play area at any time.”

To learn how to vote for Glebe House to win the local Lloyds TSB Community Fund access their website www.glebehouseni.com