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articleindex followcenterhttps://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CVYP-1-scaled.jpgcentermodule_group modules Array 1 https://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CVYP-1-scaled.jpg Young people taking part in the arts and crafts sessions.
Young people in Cramlington have been discovering their inner artist after taking part in arts and crafts activities hosted on a pop-up activity bus. The sessions were run by Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project and were made possible with a grants from the Wide Open Road Fund and the Curtin PARP Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.
Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project ran 48 sessions over a six month period, hosted on local estates in Cramlington. Over 150 young people took part, with the older ones working towards their ‘Discover Arts Award’ and the younger ones enjoying messy tactile activities and play.
Elaine Holdsworth, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at the Community Foundation said:
“The grants helped Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project to work with young people in Cramlington and help to mitigate the effects of the lack of social interaction during the Covid19 lockdown. The activities were a good way of building self-confidence and self-esteem by promoting a message of positive mental health”.
The project aimed to get young people involved in the community again. Covid lockdowns meant many young people were left feeling nervous and lacking confidence when joining activities with their peers. The project empowered them to get involved and gain accreditation whilst challenging them to give feedback and present workshop ideas, generating opportunities for personal development.
Claire Gascoigne, Youth Development Coordinator at Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project said:
“The grant was a great help during the most trying of times. We were able to take a range of arts and crafts into local parks and green spaces and really got to know the children and young people.
“Feedback was really positive from families, with something fun and accessible being in the local parks. Some of the young people have achieved an arts award and others just liked to join in such a range of activities. A big thank you for the funds and continued support, it really does make a difference”.
For more information about funding opportunities at the Community Foundation visit www.communityfoundation.org.uk/apply