A SCHEME to improve relations between young people and their communities in South Oxfordshire has benefited from a £3,000 grant.

Sovereign Housing Association Oxfordshire gave the money to Damascus, which supports young people in Drayton, Appleford, Milton, Sutton Courtenay and Steventon, to help fund its new Community Action Team (CAT).

The grant helped fund a community fun day for the team at Drayton Village Hall on Monday, August 18.

The event was attended by more than 350 people and had a variety of games.

Sovereign regional panel chairwoman Joyce Ward, said: “The work the CAT does is impressive. They are well-organised and it is good to see the panel’s grant is helping them become a positive influence in their communities.”

The rest of the grant will fund weekly meetings for Damascus members and the team, during which they will look for opportunities to develop their skills that will benefit themselves and their communities.

Damascus programme manager Roxy Elford said: “A large proportion of our members are residents of Sovereign or other housing associations, so it’s fantastic to see the Oxfordshire and Borders regional panel willing to invest in these young people.

“We build on young people’s skills, interests and talents.

“This enables them to become positive role models and positive contributors to their own community, whilst instilling self-confidence and a sense of belonging.”

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