New youth project promises brighter future for youth

Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White joined the teenagers at the Warwickshire Association of Youth Club’s (WAYC) club in Westlea Road recently to officially launch the new Socialising, Activities, Fun and Entertaining (SAFE) project.

Managed by Nicky Adams from WAYC alongside trained youth workers and volunteers, the project aims to give young people the chance to take part in a range of activities, while alleviating social exclusion.

She said: “The WAYC SAFE project has enabled local young people in Brunswick to have real ownership of its direction - from the name of the project and colour scheme of the space to the range of activities.

“In this short time I have seen an increase in confidence, teamwork and responsibility of all our young people and volunteers.

“Our close working relationships with local companies, who have offered free services or sizeable discounts, local youth agencies, parents, carers and the wider community, will ensure that our young people and the project itself will benefit in the future.”

As well as a drop-in service for people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), the project includes arts and crafts activities and sports, while young people who are experiencing difficult personal issues can find one-to-one support within the venture.

The nine volunteers working on the scheme are all mentored and working toward youth work qualifications, while a steering group of staff and young people is being set up.

On Friday, Mr White, along with parents and carers were shown around the youth centre, where they watched young people participate in various activities, before WAYC chief executive William Clemmey welcomed Mr White, who cut a ribbon to declare the project officially launched.

To find out more about the project and WAYC in general, go online.