Youth Action Zone

 Today’s speakers were

Mike Parker, Charman of the Trustees and

 Lucy Otwell-Key ,Chief Executive   Officer

from the newly opened Youth Action Zone which is near the River Head ,

 This unit is part of a  wider organisation (Horizon an on side

 action zone)and we are  18^th in the country and the first on the east coast(our nearest neighbour is Barnsley)

Mike began by informing us that the youth zone is for  young people of NEL  .It is a charity and we need to secure funding for the future.

“What is its purpose?” said Lucy ,regrettably we have seen a decline in youth clubs over a number of years and there is a need for spaces for youngster to meet ,have fun, socialise and learn skills such a cooking.There are a variety of activities available there being 20 to choose from. 

They opened on Feb 14^th and by the end day they had 1000 members  and 3200 in 6 weeks, which was  beyond their expectations .There are two groups juniors and seniors (they  do not overlap) and is open out of school hours.The  fee is £5 per year and 50p per session with on offer of a  hot meal for  £1.

The most popular activity is the climbing wall  followed by football.

and there is more to be done eg open during school holidays ?