Press Release – August 2026
£238,740 National Lottery investment launches Rugby:THRIVE for children and young people
Hill Street Youth & Community Centre is delighted to announce that it has secured £238,740 from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver Rugby:THRIVE, an ambitious new four-year programme creating more free opportunities for children, young people and families in Rugby.
Launching in September 2026, Rugby:THRIVE will build on more than 14 years of Hill Street's work at the heart of the local community. The investment will enable the Centre to significantly expand its work with children and young people, creating more free opportunities at a time when many families are facing increasing financial pressures.
Over its first six months, Rugby:THRIVE will grow into a year-round programme of free activities running across five days each week, 48 weeks of the year. Activities will be based at Hill Street Youth & Community Centre and will provide children, young people and families from across Rugby with more opportunities to get involved, try something new and spend time together in a safe and welcoming environment.
There will be something for a wide range of ages and interests, including youth and children's clubs, sports and physical activity, arts and crafts, music, drama and dance, family activities and community events. The programme will continue to develop in response to the interests and needs of local children, young people and families.
During the first six months, Hill Street will focus on putting the foundations in place for a successful four-year programme. This will include recruiting and training staff and volunteers, strengthening relationships with local schools and community organisations, listening to young people and families, and developing the partnerships and systems needed to make Rugby:THRIVE successful for the long term.
Sarah Thompson, Chair of Hill Street Youth & Community Centre, said:
“We're really pleased to have secured this four-year investment. Rugby:THRIVE is a great opportunity to build on the work we're already doing and create even more opportunities for children, young people and families in our community.
“We want people to feel that Hill Street is a place where they can come along, get involved, meet people, try something different and build confidence. Most importantly, we want Rugby:THRIVE to be something the community helps shape and feels part of.”
The first elements of Rugby:THRIVE will begin in September 2026, with more activities and opportunities being introduced over the following months.
Hill Street Youth & Community Centre would like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund for making Rugby:THRIVE possible.
