The return of youth work and youth hubs in Kenton is to be welcomed. Across our ward and the city in general youth centres and clubs are re-appearing as part of a partnership programme between Newcastle council and Tyneside youth organisations.
The Haven family hub, based in North Kenton, is running two youth clubs for the under 11s and teenagers whilst the youth charity Project4Change is running a programme of detached youth work where qualified and experienced youth workers meet up with young people on the street and in public spaces. This excellent initiative across our neighbourhoods is part of the Extra Mile programme funded by the Millions Fund.
The Caring For Kenton initiative is well under way. This project ,led by Project4Change, involves 16 young people aged 10 to 19 who are spending time in North Kenton Park exploring and learning about the ”hidden nature in shared spaces. To date the group has made bird feeders and carried out litter picks.
Kenton Park Sports Centre continues to be an effective and valued provider under the City Council’s Holiday Activity Fund programme with a full range of children’s and teenager’s activity sessions. These popular sessions are delivered over the summer vacation, but also during the winter and Easter breaks.
After a decade of decline due to UK government austerity measures and public expenditure cuts it’s encouraging to see the re-appearance of positive and worthwhile activities for young people across Kenton, Kenton Bar and Montagu. Youth work comes in many forms and is an important diversionary activity. It also plays a key role for those youngsters susceptible to anti-social behaviour to stay out of trouble.
Detached youth work activity and youth clubs are welcome additions to other successful youth organisations in our district such as TKO Boxing , the West Gosforth./Montagu Scouts and Guides and Rainbows.
Yours sincerely,
- Coun Stephen Lambert,
- Coun Ged Bell,
- Coun Paula Maines,
- Kenton Ward Committee,
- Newcastle City Council.
