TWO Wyre Forest charities hosted a spring tea party to celebrate being awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Help Through Crisis Fund.

Wyre Forest Nightstop and Kidderminster and District Youth Trust (KDYT) hosted the tea party at Kidderminster Youth House, in Bromsgrove Street, on Friday, April 22.

Nightstop, KDYT, North Worcestershire Basement Projects and Our Way Self Advocacy have recently received a grant of £514,053 from the Big Lottery Fund – which is designed to provide services to young people aged between 13 and 25, offering support and guidance and empowering them to help others through their own experiences.

The grant will enable the charities to develop a Youth Hub – known as Axis – at Kidderminster Youth House, in Bromsgrove Street, which will act as a ‘one stop shop’ for any young person in need.

The party was also to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Nightstop.

It was attended by the Mayor of Kidderminster, Councillor Rose Bishop, and Wyre Forest MP, Mark Garnier. Mr Garnier has been a supporter of Nightstop and KDYT offering opportunities for young people to gain work experience in his office and take trips to Parliament, while Cllr Bishop chose Nightstop as one of her supported charities during her term of office.

Judith Ford, chief executive of Nightstop, said: “These events offer a great opportunity for our community to come together – our young people love to bake and get involved.

“It gives us the chance to show people what we do and to celebrate the wonderful volunteers we work with.

“The new project, Axis, will bring a range of services under one roof and offer young people a safe place to get the help they need. We are very grateful to the Big Lottery for giving us a chance to make this happen.

“Together with our partners we hope to make a real difference to the lives of the young people we work with.”

Ben Bennett, KDYT operations manager, added: “Thank you to everyone who baked cakes and turned up to help us all celebrate this great news.

“It was fantastic to see so many young people, partner agencies, funders and supporters here at Kidderminster Youth House, which will be the home of Axis Youth Hub.”

All proceeds raised from Brinton's Bash, which will be held in June, will be donated to Wyre Forest Nightstop.