The Essex Boys and Girls Clubs, founded in 1939, works across Essex and East London to provide positive, character-building opportunities for young people aged between 11-25 years old.
They support a network of 140 affiliated youth groups and each year they engage with 15,000 members to enhance their skills, confidence and employability by providing challenging activities, events and targeted youth projects with a team of experienced youthworkers, outdoor instructors and sports coaches.
Each year, EBGC take disadvantaged children from Essex and London to a residential centre in Brecon Beacons as part of their ‘Holiday Residentials Programme’.
For most of these children, it’s their first time away from home as they get a taste of independence and the opportunity to access activities they have never tried before.
The project plays a pivotal role in developing character, confidence and improvements in their mental health. 81% of participants come from districts that are specifically recognised by the government as areas of poverty and disadvantaged.