Community in safe hands with Outreach Centre

Sunderland AFC goalkeeper Jordan Pickford visited a recently opened Foundation of Light outreach centre to see the life-changing work being carried out within the local community.

The Foundation's Millennium Centre of Light, which opened last year, offers a wide range of sports, health, education and community programmes in the area for all ages.

During his visit Jordan saw a range variety of activities including a football course for youngsters, an employability programme for adults and a walking football group run with members of the Washington Millennium Centre Men’s Support Group.

Other programmes run from the Washington Millennium Centre site include the Foundation’s award-winning Family Learning Ministry of Food programme (backed by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver) and Tackle It, a programme that educates youngsters about vital social topics including to the dangers of alcohol and substance misuse, racism and bullying.

It’s great that the Foundation of Light is getting out into communities and giving people the chance to get involved. I grew up in this area and I think it’s vital that there are these types of facilities for people to get involved and give themselves a chance of a better life.

Sunderland AFC goalkeeper Jordan Pickford

Ev Ripley-Day, Washington and South Tyneside Area Coordinator, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Jordan to the Washington Millennium Centre to see the fantastic work being done here and meet the staff who deliver projects in the community.

"I must offer my thanks to Karen Shearer from the Washington Millennium Centre for her continued support, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery who funded some of the facilities, Washington Trust who have been instrumental in forging links with local organisations and the Washington VCS Network, who we work closely with to ensure that this community is receiving the right support.”

Councillor Linda Williams, Chair of the Washington Area Committee and Washington VCS Network added: "The Foundation of Light’s presence in this community helps enhance the rich tapestry of support available to local people who want to improve their health, education, employment and much more."

The Washington Millennium Centre Outreach Operation is one of eight Foundation of Light Outreach Centres supporting communities across Sunderland, County Durham and South Tyneside.