MP Visit to Thirsk Clock

The Clock invited Kevin Hollinrake MP on Monday 4th April to see the wide variety of support The Clock offers to young people not just in Thirsk but throughout North Yorkshire. He saw a range of activities that demonstrate the variety of support we offer including the Little Hands Youth Club for year groups 5 and 6, and intensive one to one support we offer to vulnerable young people.

Other projects seen by Mr Hollinrake included seeing furniture that has been kindly donated by the community and then given out to young people who are moving into new homes. He also saw our food bank which is in partnership with Hambleton FoodShare. Andy Butcher who heads our Enhancement team also showed how he can deliver first aid training to partner agencies.

Mr Hollinrake said of The Clock, which he supports as a trustee, “The Clock is a marvellous organisation that helps a lot of young people and adults at times of difficulty and disadvantage. We all go through difficult times in our lives and The Clock provides an invaluable service in helping people get back on their feet, providing advice and guidance and developing life and workplace skills. I am always impressed by the range of activities on offer and by the huge geographical coverage of the take up of their services. The Clock is an absolute credit to the town and the enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment of the team is wonderful to see.”

Abigail Homer, CEO of The Clock said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to show Kevin Hollinrake some new services which have started since the last time he visited such as the Youth Clubs for the younger age range which Broadacres kindly funds.”

An example of a young person who The Clock has supported is Ben Smith who won the Hambleton Young Citizen of the Year Award. He met and talked to the MP about the support he received from the Clock which includes providing support while at School, and how he volunteers and helped run The Clock’s Summer Activity programme last year.

One of the new exciting projects is Boxercise funded by North Yorkshire Sport and is a fitness class for girls which aims to empower and boost their self-confidence. This runs every week and girls from year 7 and above are all welcome.

Mr Hollinrake also saw Time for Time in action, our project aimed at supporting adults who are affected by rural isolation. This has been running for over a year now and has not just provided a social space for people who do not have any others but has supported people with employment, making sure their house is heated