A FLEDGING youth charity in Alloa has grown by bringing in two additions to its dedicated team.

Connect Alloa has recently welcomed youth worker Ivy Bennett and digital engagement worker Sanhita Gokhale to its ranks.

Both part-time positions have been made possible thanks to funding by the National Lottery Community Fund and the good cause, dedicated to reducing loneliness and isolation among young people, is hoping to expand further in the future.

Sanhita is bringing her social media management skills to the charity, which hosts two evening clubs in the town each week.

Introducing herself in an online post, she said: “I believe that helping others is a true way of finding your purpose and potential and I have always tried to apply this in every walk of life.

“Connect has given me this wonderful opportunity to use my creativity, and skills to help young people and give back to the community.

“I am passionate about arts and I simply love to paint, sing and dance through my life situations.

“My media management degree has made me realise my liking for social media, creative industries and media law.

“There’s so much one can offer to the world.”

Youth worker Ivy, who started off as a volunteer and is also involved with MCR Pathways, will be supporting project leader Dave Crozier in running activities and has been in post for around a month.

Demand has been growing for the youth nights at Connect Alloa and the good cause is looking for trustees and volunteers as it keeps growing.

Volunteer youth work assistants are being sought with the team trialling fresh ideas and evolving the project with the young people.

On the long run, hopes are to branch out as opportunities present themselves and Dave explained how he is interested in so-called detached youth work.

This involves meeting young people “on their territory” such as streets, parks and open spaces– as explained by YouthLink Scotland – and engaging with them on their terms.

The aim is to build relationships with those Connect Alloa is currently not reaching.

Dave added: “I’m really excited to have a team of staff who already seem so dedicated and can only hope in time we expand the Connect team as a whole.”

For more information on youth nights, trustee and volunteer opportunities, find Connect Alloa on social media or visit connectalloa.org.uk.