Fusion provide an essential service to the Andover community, offering a variety of sports, fun activities, tournaments, creative workshops, practical advice and guidance and friendship to young people from 11-18 years of age. Youngsters can drop in to Fusion for informal advice on a variety of issues that affect young peoples life’s today…or simply meet up with friends.
As part of their ‘lifting community spirits’ initiative to support all sectors of Andover community local company, Stannah visited Fusion and were very impressed with their endeavours.
Jon Stannah comments ‘This is a group of up to thirty young working people who are dedicating many volunteer hours to helping young people within the Andover community. Their challenges are huge but they seem undeterred. We have simply provided the Fusion volunteers with some hoodies to serve as a casual uniform so they are identifiable as the team leaders. The building they work from is really in need of renovation and in particular re-roofing and if anyone has time, materials and skill they could donate, Fusion would be most grateful’.
Fusion began at the warehouse in October 2008 and has seen over 200 hundred young people come through it doors this year alone. The young people who attend Fusion come from many different backgrounds and simply need a safe space to meet on a Friday night.
One of the key team leaders Sarah comments: ‘We are really grateful for the interest Stannah have shown in our work. At the current time, according to Test Valley Borough Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Officer for Andover and the Safer Streets Police co-coordinator, Fusion is the only provider of open access youth work on a Friday night in North Andover. We welcome new volunteers, visiting agencies and anyone who can enable us to support young people in Andover.’
