By Jill Stocks
A new youth group has started in Horsforth aimed at easing the transition for pupils leaving year 6 and starting high school in September.
The Leeds Youth Service Year 6 group, which is free to attend, started at the Brownlee Stone Centre on Town Street six weeks ago and will run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday evenings helping pupils to get ready for the challenge of high school in a friendly environment with support from youth workers.
Andrew Derra told us: “It’s a new piece of work for us recognising that many can get anxious about the change and it’s a great introduction to youth work and our service.
“The group is running through the summer holidays and young people will have a chance to take part in additional activities to help build confidence and strengthen friendship groups.”
The transition group is in addition to the existing Friday evening youth group at the centre for 11-17 year olds. The group runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and young people from the area are welcome to the session to play pool, craft, play table tennis, cook or take the opportunity to speak to one of the youth support workers. For over 13s Well Wave sexual health services are also available at this session.
Cllr Ray Jones (Lab, Horsforth) said Horsforth councillors were keen to lend their support to youth activities in the town and will be making a financial contribution to support the efforts.
He said: “We are determined to support our young people, working with youth workers to support young people. We are also investing over £1,000 for new kit.”
And for those with an interest in getting actively involved in the community a new Youth Participation Group, or ‘youth committee’, is currently being developed.
Steve Harper, from the West North West Youth Service for Leeds City Council, added: “We are currently in the process of establishing a Youth Participation Group in Horsforth, which will enable young people to play an active role in shaping the design, delivery and development of services and activities aimed at them.
“The idea is that the group would meet approximately every three weeks, giving young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and be actively involved in decisions about services that are designed for them.
“Alongside this, we would include fun activities, games and trips, as well as explore opportunities for social action projects that allow members to work together on issues and initiatives that matter to them.”
Youth committee members will also work alongside elected members for the ward and Horsforth Town Council and the support of these members is greatly appreciated.
Cllr Emmie Bromley (Lab, Horsforth) is enthusiastic about the role the youth committee can play in the Horsforth community and how the young people involved can develop new skills through the group.
“We’ve wanted to find ways to get more young people’s voices heard, empower them to be able to shape their local area and add to their CV,” she said. “I’m excited to see what comes from this and what will emerge.”
Steve said that youth services are always being developed and this is just one part of the process: “We are always keen to explore new project ideas, and we hope to expand our offer in the new school year.
“This includes developing wellbeing drop-in sessions, providing information, advice and guidance on a range of topics from our base at the Brownlee Stone Centre.”
Young people between the ages of 13 and 17 who live in the Horsforth area are invited to join the Youth Committee and have an active voice in the community. To register your interest email stephen.harper@leeds.gov.uk.
There are also a number of Breeze events over the Summer in Leeds. Drury Rec will host the Horsforth event on August 12 but there will also be ones nearby in Otley on August 6, Yeadon on the 19 and Tinshill on the 25th. Booking is essential for these events and costs £1 per child. Check out the Breeze website for details.
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