MP MEL Stride was in Buckfastleigh on Friday, visiting the Bungalow Youth Project (BYP).

The charity offers young people a safe and enjoyable space to socialise and take part in various activities five nights a week.

Every night the BYP provides healthy hot food, with each meal cooked from scratch and involving young people in the budgeting, local shopping for ingredients, preparation and cooking.

Support is targeted at those aged 11 to 19, with older young people between 19 and 25 encouraged to take voluntary leadership and staffing roles with the charity.

Mel’s visit was his first to the BYP since the pandemic started and he met with its director Fanny Jackson, as well as some of the trustees and youth workers. The charity recently had a major National Lottery funding bid accepted which will make a big difference over the next few years.

Mr Stride, CEentral Devon MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: ‘The work that the staff, trustees and volunteers do here at the Bungalow Youth Project is amazing.

‘They go above and beyond for the young people who use the facility and the impact of simple life lessons such as cooking food and budgeting should not be underestimated. I am delighted that their lottery bid was accepted, helping to secure the financial future of such an important local charity.’

Fanny added: ‘It was great to welcome Mel to the Bungalow Youth Project and brief him on our recent successful lottery bid and how we intend to spend it.

‘Being National Apprenticeship week I was also delighted to tell Mel we are involved with the Government Apprenticeship Scheme and have someone training to be a Level 3 Youth Support Worker.’

For more information visit www.thebungalowyouthproject.co.uk, you can also email them at [email protected] or ring 01364 644481