An Inverclyde youth organisation who were left homeless following a funding block from the council have successfully established a base in Greenock town centre.
Ewa and Pawel Jakubowski, who run the 6 Foot Lab initiative which provides young people with a range of activities, have taken over an empty unit on West Blackhall Street with help of local property business, Bowman Rebecchi.
The Greenock couple was in line for a six-figure sum from the Scottish Government under a vacant and derelict land investment programme last year only for the chance to disappear.
They were left in tears after the council stepped in to reject the proposal they'd developed.
The pair had planned to use the cash to transform vacant ground on Scott Street into a hub for teenagers - including many with mental health issues - so they had a place to meet, make art and work on a go-karting project.
However, they have now overcome the financial setback and are looking forward to a successful future at the premises thanks to a grant from the Inverclyde Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
Founder Ewa said: "We're so lucky that the grant can be used for the rent of the property, meaning we can use the premises for a variety of things.
"We want to establish a place for art and music and also hope to create a safe space young people can come and be together and receive support.
"We provide a unique support service for young people, some of whom have mental health problems, to nurture them and help them realise their life choices. It is amazing news.
"We're so delighted to finally be able to get this up and running and we're so thankful to Bowman Rebecchi and the fund for making it happen."
The project will be funded until December 2022 and Ewa hopes to apply for other grants to allow the lease to be extended.
Members Grace Dollard and Thomas Boyle are thrilled that the club will have its own base.
Musician Grace, 19, said: "This is a great place to come and practice my music. It's nice to have a permanent place for my friends and I to come to."
Andrew Bowman, who helped the group establish the base in the vacant premises, added: "Bowman Rebecchi was delighted to be able to support Ewa and the team to establish a base on West Blackhall Street.
"We are only too happy to help get projects like this off the ground and it is great to see a vacant space in the town centre being used again."
This article and image appeared in the Greenock Telegraph.
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