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Eighty young people in Blyth have learned new skills and built their confidence and self-esteem due to a local youth programme. The programme was made possible thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.
Cowpen Quay Community Association (CQCA) received a £3,000 grant from two funds at the Community Foundation; £2,000 from the Reeds Grassroots Fund and £1,000 from the Asian Fund.
This grant supported delivery of 24 youth sessions over a six-month period and helped children and young people aged between 6 and 25 to get involved in a range of activities designed to build their confidence and life skills as well as emphasising the importance of teamwork and becoming a good young citizen.
Elaine Holdsworth, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at the Community Foundation said:
“Through this grant Cowpen Quay Community Association have demonstrated that they understand the needs of the young people in the communities they serve by providing opportunities for them to help reach their potential. The activities are deliberately and thoughtfully chosen, providing learning around issues and practical life skills that matter most to the young people”.
Knowing each young person is different CQCA adapted their activities to ensure different skills and abilities are matched with an appropriate learning style and level of support. They also had the opportunity for their SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) group of young people to participate in a course at their centre, improving their life skills and undertaking a first aid course for which they received a certificate.
They also provided sessions concerning young people’s everyday experiences which made them more real and relatable.
Eileen Cartie, Centre Development Manager at Cowpen Quay Community Association said:
“We have been focusing on themes that also teach important life skills such as around healthy eating; which includes cooking, budgeting, managing money and working as a team. This is particularly relevant given the rising cost of living and increasing poverty, as people face a tough choice between heating and eating.
“We have seen young people come into our sessions very hungry, so these sessions have not only benefited their skills and development but also provided them with healthy and nutritious meals.”