Broadbridge Heath clothes bank proves a success

Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre has collected a range of fitness clothes for a charity which supports homeless young people.
Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre staff with the fitness gear collected in a clothes bank for the Amber Foundation  - picture submitted by AmberBroadbridge Heath Leisure Centre staff with the fitness gear collected in a clothes bank for the Amber Foundation  - picture submitted by Amber
Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre staff with the fitness gear collected in a clothes bank for the Amber Foundation - picture submitted by Amber

Throughout July, the leisure centre supported the Amber Foundation through a clothes bank campaign.

Amber, which has a centre in Ockley, provides a residential centre for disadvantaged 17 to 30-year-olds, many of whom have a history of addiction or have been involved in crime.

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The centre provides them with a challenging step-by-step rebuilding process which involves activities including art, crafts, extended education, music, drama and sport.

Maria, personal trainer at the leisure centre also spends time running a fortnightly fitness session at the Amber Foundation and has been doing so since the end of last year.

Recognising a need for sports and fitness wear it was collectively decided with the Amber Foundation that such a plea to the public would provide invaluable resources to the young people at Amber.

Rachel Bartlett, fundraiser at Amber, said: “We are delighted to be supported by Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre and their very generous members.

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“It means a great deal to have such tremendous local support especially as many of the youngsters who come to us arrive with little more than they are wearing.

“This can make activities that many of us take for granted quite tricky for some of our youngsters to participate in because they just do not have the right gear to wear.

“Encouraging participation in sporting activities is a way of building skills and confidence as well as achieving good overall health and fitness; something that is so important to the young people we help.

“Trainers, shorts and T-shirts are invaluable at this time of year and for most homeless youngsters they do not have the luxury of choice.

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“We would like to thank all of those people visiting the leisure centre who have kindly and very generously donated some great sports clothes; thank you.”

Maria said: “This was a great and simple scheme for our members to donate unwanted trainers and clothing.

“We displayed posters at the centre to enhance awareness of the charity and have been thrilled with the response it generated and the overall success.”

For more information about the Amber Foundation go to www.amberweb.org