A PROJECT which helps children and teenagers socialise through gaming is in need of funding.

The Power of Gaming project, run by Aztec Games and Technology in Maldon, is a bi-weekly get-together where visitors can play video games together.

Run by co-owners Jay and Simon Gaffney, the business is now asking the community to raise £1,000 to help with buying more TVs, monitors, consoles and games.

One supporter is Burnham mum Claire Payne, whose son Tyler, 15, attends the sessions to help out.

Tyler has Tourette’s syndrome, but he finds socialising at the club is good for him. Mrs Payne said: “They have been so good to my boy.

“Tyler has been down there now for four weeks or so and he does two hours on a Thursday – he loves it. It is boosting his confidence and giving him life skills he can use going forward.

“Jay and Simon are fantastic for giving him this opportunity and we can’t thank them enough.

“Tyler comes out every week with a smile on his face and I’m just so proud of him.

“Being in the public is hard for Tyler but it is somewhat mind over matter and because Tyler feels comfortable in the setting. Doing something he loves is helping him overcome his anxiety.

“He still tics while he’s there, but the guys have been so understanding.”

Claire says the club needs to be regularly promoted and supported as the owners’ funds are not endless. She added: “We need to reach out to the local community to let people know there is not only something for kids and teenagers – even adults have something to do. It is a supervised, fun environment for everyone.

“Everyone thinks youth is to blame for everything and are always saying they have nowhere to go. So this, to me, is an ideal start of something that could potentially become a big thing with the right backing and financial support.”

For details and to donate, visit facebook.com/donate/919492931584248 or email maldonthepowerofgaming@gmail.com.