THE COVENTRY Boys and Girls Club (CBGC) welcomed The Lord Mayor, Coun Kevin Maton, to their Christmas Afternoon Tea.
Coun Maton expressed his appreciation for the ongoing community work of the charity, which is one of the city’s oldest.
The mayor was treated to performances of poetry by John Bernard and Abdi Nuur and live music from singer Chris Pepper, and a guided tour of the facilities available in CBGC’s headquarters on Whitefriars Street.
Coun Maton gave some words of thanks during the event which was hosted in The Coffee Hub, part of the charity’s offering in the heart of the city.
The Afternoon Tea was attended by people from a variety of backgrounds who had relied on CBGC for fun and friendship.
The CBGC is not just about young people – there is a seniors badminton club and the staff and volunteers who keep the club running.
The afternoon tea was enjoyed by everyone and the first restriction-free Christmas since Covid.
Coun Maton said: “I think, talking about loneliness and the difficulties that young people find, and are found in other communities, is at this time of year in particular something that is very difficult to deal with.
“And so, if you’ve got people here who are supporting our youngsters, and other communities, to overcome those difficulties, then it’s something we can be very proud of.”
Coventry Boys and Girls Club has been a mainstay in the city since 1935, evolving over the years to include youth clubs, summer camps, the CBGC Boxing Club and a young women’s group.
There is also the Mac Project – a programme which seeks to provide inspiration and ambition to those struggling with the traditional education system or those who need mentoring to reach their full potential.
During his visit, the Lord Mayor engaged the club’s members with great interest, hearing first hand stories of how resources such as the CBGC were essential for meeting the needs of the community.
Last year, the club provided free lunches for those struggling to afford school dinners, and through it’s ‘PeriodPovCov’ campaign, the CBGC has also been able to distribute free sanitary products to those who need them.
The CBGC is looking to do even more great work in 2023.
Coun Maton added: “It’s great to be able to come back here and say a big thank you on behalf of the city for all of the work that has been done by all the people that are here now, because as we’ve just heard, you make a big difference.”
