Our Place Youth Group, a new Youth Group for 7-11 year olds in Stoke Ward was successfully launched on Tuesday 3rd June at Bellfields Youth and Community Centre in Hazel Avenue.

Over 40 children turned up on the opening night, each initially accompanied by a parent or responsible adult to complete the paperwork required for their child’s security during their stay.

After the adults left, the children were treated to a fascinating talk and demonstration involving several live wild animals and birds, given by Graham Cornick from Hydestyle Animal Hospital.

The talk got off to a flying start when a European Eagle Owl was released and flew around the room before landing on a nearby table. Other animals wanting to enjoy the limelight were; a hedgehog, a Siberian hamster, a pair of polecats and several other owls, including a four week-old Tawny Owl.

Garry Jones, Safer Guildford Partnership Community Safety Warden for Stoke, said: “The basic idea behind the project was to enable the children to have a safe environment in which they can meet to socialise with their peers, giving them the opportunity to gain confidence, to be part of a team and to participate in a variety of activities.”

After the talk, the children enjoyed taking part in a variety of sporting activities and face painting. The tuck shop was opened and immediately besieged by lots of happy children and the evening ended with a friendly chat about the rules for the future and to tell the children about planned events and activities.   The adults collected their children at 7pm, who went home happy with a small gift to celebrate the launch, all indicating they were looking forward to the next session, which will be held on Tuesday, 17th June.

Local volunteers, all of whom will be CRB checked, will run the group, which will be held on alternate Tuesdays at Bellfields Youth and Community Centre from 5pm to
7pm. A wide range of activities are planned including face painting, cricket coaching, video games, quiz nights, clay animation and self-defence.  Trips out are also planned to such places as Chessington World of Adventure and Alice Holt, amongst others.

The project was the joint brainchild of Garry Jones, Community Safety Warden, and Linda Sieber, Community Development Worker, for Stoke Ward who recognized that there was a lack of activities for children in the Key Stage 2 age group within the area. Following their initial research, which included a visit to a similar project in Kent, they talked to Key Stage 2 children at Weyfield School to find out if they were interested in attending a youth group if one was specifically set up for them – the answer was a resounding yes!

The funding to get the project up and running was obtained by way of grants from the Safer Guildford Partnership, the High Sheriff Youth Awards, and the Safer Guildford Youth Group.

Garry Jones, CSW, added:  “To keep the club running, sponsorship is being sort from local businesses and anyone who is interested in getting involved as a volunteer should contact the group mobile on 07594 569578 between 5pm and 8pm on weekdays.”

ENDS

If you have any queries or would like further information, please contact:

Lorraine Kerswill, Tel: 01483 444210
Communications Officer for Safer Guildford Partnership
or

Nicola Burress, Tel: 01483 639210
Press and Publicity Officer for West Surrey Police