Down with the kids! £500,000 donation enables creation of new educational facility for youngsters

Youth services in Portsmouth have received a huge boost thanks to a £500,000 donation from BAE Systems, whose maritime services team is based in the area.

Portsmouth City Council have chosen to put the money towards an educational space at Stamshaw Adventure Playground, which currently runs activities for children up to the age of 13.

The new facility will extend the centre’s services to young people aged between 14 and 24, providing educational services, advice, and support from local experts to those not in employment, education, or training (NEETs).

It is also set to host a youth club in the evenings with a wide range of activities on offer.

Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “I am deeply grateful to BAE Systems for its donation to fund the creation of a new youth services facility in Stamshaw and their commitment to help renovate the adventure playground.

“In an ever-changing world, partnerships with our business community become even more important to help change happen.

“This new facility will bring enormous benefits to young people in Portsmouth and has the potential to transform lives.”

BAE Systems has also promised to provide careers advice at the new facility, with apprentices from the firm currently lending a helping hand in the renovation works.

Scott Jamieson, managing director of maritime services at BAE Systems, added: “We’re committed to the local communities in which we live and work, and this is a much-needed addition to the provision of services for young people in Stamshaw.

“Engaging with our young people is so important and this new facility will offer them a safe place to go, someone to talk to, as well as guidance on education and career opportunities.

“We’re excited to see this project develop in the coming months.”

The centre in Stamshaw represents one of six free adventure playgrounds across Portsmouth, which variously feature splash pools, sand pits, arts and crafts zones, and wood workshops for local people.

• baesystems.com