TEENAGERS at The Door Youth Project are eagerly awaiting several summer outings to places like Weston-super-Mare, Alton Towers and Cadbury World.

Two years ago when young people spending time at The Door decided they would like to go on day trips their Youth Forum activists put together a questionnaire to survey which destinations were top of their friend’s wish lists.

For two years now, fundraiser Harry Gardner, 19, managed to win £2,000 funding from Starbucks as part of the company’s partnership with UK Youth to help under 25s bring their social action project to life.

Talking about the project, Harry said: “These trips can really benefit the young people.

“For example, one boy who is 12, has had very few positive relationships either at home or socially and the first time we saw him smile was on the trip to Alton Towers.

“It helped him be himself, make new friends and put the stress and anxiety of home aside.”

Harry has worked with The Door for two years and applied for Starbucks funding to set up a series of trips.

Youth Holiday Activities is part of The Door Youth Project which is a Christian-based youth project which supports young people, their families and parents across the Stroud district.

This includes mentoring, practical and vocational training and a daily drop-in youth centre designed to feel like home.

Since the funding has been given, 40 young people have attended the trips which have included Weston-super-Mare, Alton Towers, Cadbury World, Cattle Country Adventure Park near Berkeley and go-karting.

Harry believes that it has given many young people a sense of fulfilment.

“Some of the young people haven’t ever left the town,” he said.

“Going on these trips is a great for them and helps them make new friends and build up a rapport with the youth workers.”

lRegistration for the 5k Race4All at Woodchester Mansion on Saturday, June 20 in aid of The Door has now opened. Full details of the race can be found at race4all.co.uk