Young people in Retford are being supported to make healthier choices thanks to a £500 Councillor Community Grant.
The funding from a group of Bassetlaw District Councillors is being used to provide free healthy snacks, fresh fruit and juice for young people who attend a weekly after-school session at the Overflow Lounge, behind The Well on Hospital Road.
Around 30 young people currently take part each week, with sessions running every Wednesday during term time from 3.30pm to 6pm. Organisers hope to increase the offer and run sessions more often in the future.
Amy McCallum, Next Generation and Community Lead at The Well, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the councillors for supporting The Overflow Lounge through this grant.
"The Overflow Lounge is all about creating a welcoming environment where young people can come together, build friendships and feel part of their community. Having access to healthy refreshments not only supports their wellbeing but also helps make the space feel safe, inclusive and inviting.
"On behalf of everyone at The Well, I'd like to thank the councillors for recognising the importance of investing in our young people. This support will make a real difference to the young people who visit us each week and helps ensure The Overflow Lounge continues to be a place where they can thrive."
Cllr Malachi Carroll, Mayor of Retford and Ward Member for East Retford West, speaking on behalf of the councillors who contributed to the grant, said: "We are pleased to have supported The Overflow Lounge through our councillor grants to help provide healthy snacks, fresh fruit and juice for the young people who attend.
"As councillors, we recognise the important role that community organisations like The Well play in the lives of local young people. The Overflow Lounge offers a welcoming place where they can meet friends, feel supported and spend time in a positive environment after school.
"We hope this funding will help ensure that every young person who visits feels valued and included. We would like to thank Amy and the team at The Well for their continued commitment to supporting young people in Retford and for helping to strengthen our local community."
The councillors who contributed towards the project are Councillor Malachi Carroll and Councillor Harriet Digby, Ward Members for East Retford West; Councillor Dan Henderson and Councillor Susan Shaw, Ward Members for East Retford East; and Councillor David Challinor, Ward Member for East Retford North.
The Well is a community facility that is used throughout the week by a wide range of local groups and residents. The original church dates back to 1691 and, following redevelopment, the current building opened in 2009 and continues to serve the community today.
For more information about The Well, including how to hire its facilities or support its work, visit www.thewellretford.org.
Each Bassetlaw District councillor is allocated a small annual budget and has the discretion to award grants to support community activities within their ward. Councillor grants can support projects relating to sport, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, social welfare and wider community benefit.
Last Updated on Thursday, August 13, 2026