MBG Funhouse wins Prince’s Trust Community Impact Award

Three young mothers from Kids Company, Siona Blackford, Nadine Medford and Lenole Gardner, have been awarded the Prince’s Trust’s London Community Impact Award 2008 in recognition of their achievement in setting up a pioneering new project for young parents – the MBG Funhouse. This achievement means that they will now be considered for the Trust’s national awards in 2009.

Fed up and frustrated with the lack of fun, free, family facilities in their local area, and having seen many of their peers struggling with crime and drugs, the three set up the MBG Funhouse with the aim of creating a safe and supportive environment where parents can relax, converse, and strengthen relationships, both with their children and with other young parents within the community.

Having received an initial boost through a £3000 Community Cash Award from the Prince’s Trust, the MBG Funhouse launched at the Arches II in May as a free weekend facility designed to provide bonding opportunities for both carer and child through learner-centred workshops, health and fitness activities, mediation and relaxation therapies.

The fact that the project has come such a long way from the original idea is a great testament to the ambition, innovation and commitment of the young ladies involved, and all at Kids Company are really proud of their achievement.

To find out more about MBG funhouse, please see www.mbgfunhouse.co.uk. For more information about the Celebrate Success London 2008 awards, go to: www.princes-trust.org.uk.