Shop manager launches crowdfunding bid to help Fratton Community Centre tackle bullying

Fratton Community Centre, in Trafalgar Place, will be staging an anti-bullying night on Monday following the vicious attack of a girl by a gang of children.

Now, a crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help raise £500 to boost the city hub.

Sarah Cleall, of Adames Road, Kingston, set up the effort after a plea was made by the centre’s manager, Julie Crook, for the community to ‘unite’ following the attack of a young girl on Monday.

The 30-year-old, who is friends with Julie’s daughter, Beth, has already managed to drum up £90.

She said: ‘Fratton can have a bad name for itself but it’s a great community. Centres like these can help keep children off the streets. They can be extremely important.

‘They can keep children on the straight and narrow and teach them right from wrong. Having something like that on our doorstep is so important.’

Julie said she was touched by the gesture and added: ‘When I saw Sarah had said up a fundraiser I was like, “oh my word”. I couldn’t believe it.’

Sarah, who is the store manager of the Mint Velvet clothing store in Petersfield, said centres were struggling to make ends meet after cuts to their budget from central government.

She added: ‘The support so far has been really great. I’ve had complete strangers donating which has been nice.’

To support the appeal, see justgiving.com/crowdfunding/frattonyouths