A CHARITY which began almost a quarter of a century ago has grown into a vital part of the community providing support to children who are most in need.

The Exodus Project was founded back in 2000 by couple Martin and Jackie Sawdon with the simple aim of reaching out to the young people of Barnsley and help them avoid potentially destructive choices.

In the years since, the charity has grown far beyond what either of them could have ever dreamed of when they were starting out, with 14 clubs open across Barnsley providing support and entertainment for local communities.

There are also now two charity shops, a community hub and a community activity centre in South Hiendley.

Martin told the Chronicle: “We used to do youth work at St George’s Church in town.

“We would take youth groups from the church away for weekend camps quite often.

“We all had a great time but many of the kids were from more advantaged backgrounds who would go away with their family anyway.

“It made us realise that there were many underprivileged kids around us who wouldn’t get the same opportunity as the kids in the church and we wanted to give them that chance to take part in activities and go away.

“Obviously we’ve got these facilities now but it’s taken quite a few years to bring it together.”

Over that time, the couple from Shafton have made connections with the thousands of youngsters who’ve taken part in their clubs - and Martin admits this is what makes them most proud when they look back.

“The most rewarding thing - and we say this to everyone who’s asked - is the relationships we’ve established with the children over the years,” he added.

“It’s not about getting kids off the streets causing mischief for a couple of hours a week, it’s about building those connections and growing with them.

“There’s so many young people who’ve come through the activity clubs that now volunteer with us because they don’t want to leave.

“I walked through town centre recently and had a chap come up to me with a beard saying ‘Martin I remember you from when I went to the clubs’.

“It happens so regularly now - we’ve got people who used to go bringing their kids now, it’s something we really cherish.”

To celebrate the work they’ve done throughout the years to develop this charity into a local juggernaut, both Martin and Jackie have been nominated at this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards.

In her nomination, volunteer Sian Godwyn said: “They have both been dedicated over these years to build from the one club in town to now over 14 clubs across Barnsley.

“On top of these they have been supporting the community by delivering community galas and supporting other organisations through minibus and inflatable entertainment.

“They have now built the charity to the point where it has two community charity shops, a community hub and a community activity centre.

“They have done all this while making all who they engage with feel part of the Exodus family.”