Anger at £350k 'mood' grant
Young people in Sandwell will be treated to anti-stress treatments like aromatherapy and 'mood food' – thanks to a £350,000 lottery grant, which has left many people scratching their heads in disbelief.
West Bromwich YMCA has picked up the grant to fight depression and stress among young people.
It will pay for light therapy and an aromatherapist – and workers will receive special training in 'Mindfulness' treatments.
But one leading Sandwell Councillor today questioned why more than one-third of a million pounds in lottery cash is being spent on helping youngsters who already have access to health services.
Councillor Bill Archer said: "I'm sure that spending the money on activities that get youngsters out into the fresh air, playing sports or doing other useful things would be a better use."
Councillor Terry Williams, who represents the Hateley Heath ward in West Bromwich, said that while he had a lot of respect for the work that the YMCA did in the town, the size and distribution of some lottery grants was baffling.