Julia and Hans Rausing pledge £41,000 grant to support Mahdlo’s reopening
Date published: 12 June 2021
Julia and Hans Rausing launched the Youth Centre Recovery Fund after seeing the need for support in the sector following the financial impact of the pandemic on many charities
Julia and Hans Rausing, from the Youth Centre Recovery Fund, have granted Mahdlo more than £41,000 to support its reopening as the Oldham youth zone continues to provide a safe and exciting space for young people to visit, seven days a week.
Every day Mahdlo supports young people to be the best they can be, providing opportunities and raising their aspirations.
In 2021, more than 1,500 young people have already attended Mahdlo online and in person.
Julia and Hans Rausing launched the Youth Centre Recovery Fund after seeing the need for support in the sector following the financial impact of the pandemic on many charities.
Studies from The National Youth Agency showed one in two youth charities will be unable to meet operational costs within 12 months.
The Fund was designed to help youth centres survive and recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, in order that they may continue to deliver vital work for young people.
Mahdlo Chief Executive Lucy Lees said: "Despite 2020 being such a challenging year, we have continued to strive to give Oldham’s young people the best possible start in life.
"Young people and their families have been able to depend on Mahdlo.
"Despite us being forced to close our doors we’ve found new innovative and engaging ways to support those that needed us most.
"This year we’ll continue to meet the needs of young people and reflecting the diversity of the borough, in Mahdlo, in the community and online.
"As a charity we need to ensure long term financial stability.
"The grant from Julia and Hans Rausing will support us in our efforts, enabling us to reopen our doors, continue to support young people across the borough and restart essential projects such as our Duke of Edinburgh programme."
Julia and Hans Rausing said: "The last year has been incredibly difficult for young people, whose education and social lives have been severely interrupted by the pandemic.
"Youth Centres play a vital role in providing young people with educational, leisure and social opportunities.
"We are delighted to be supporting charities across the country that can make a real difference in their local communities and have a positive impact on young people’s life chances."
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