A REDDITCH-based community group has received a boost with a donation from the Gannett Foundation.

Boys2Men, a project aimed at helping boys aged between 11 and 14 to develop positive relationships with male role models, was given a £2660 donation from the owner of Newsquest Media Group, which publishes the Redditch and Alcester Advertiser.

The group, which comes under the management of YMCA Worcestershire, will use the money to buy new camping equipment including tents, camping tables, lanterns, gazebos and cooking sets.

Phil Williams, Boys2Men project director, said: “We are thrilled to be nominated.

“We share the idea of how important dads are in development.

"Boys need a male role model and they often choose bad ones if there isn't a positive male who cares for, disciplines and affirms the boys at home.

“The father has a vital role to affirm his son as a young man and to encourage him to take on new challenges which may be out of his comfort zone.

“The project is about supporting dads to become positive role models for their sons.”

Various schools in the area work with Boys2Men by nominating students they think could benefit from the scheme.

The students are identified as at risk of becoming a young person who is not in education, employment or training – NEET. This is often defined as those with poor attendance, behaviour or low self-esteem.

Peter John, editor of the Redditch and Alcester Advertiser, said: “Boys2Men is a really inspiring story about how lives are being turned around by a scheme to ensure dads understand their importance as good role models to their sons.

“We are very pleased to be able to help them carry on the fantastic work they are doing in Redditch. Indeed, we think it’s a scheme that could and should be rolled out further.”

The project takes place during the summer term between April and July and needs around £20,000 for its running costs each year.

For more information visit www.boys2menproject.co.uk.