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WHEN Stockton Borough Council wanted to know how to improve its youth services in Ingleby Barwick, it knew where to turn for ideas.
The area's young people now have an extra four hours of activities each week, including a new Thursday session, thanks to the 60 local 11-16-year-olds who took part in a survey by the Council's youth service.
And more facilities could soon be on the way to Ingleby Barwick if plans for a youth café come to fruition.Youth workers quizzed the young people last year about the current provision and what they would like to see in the future. Some were regular users of the youth club, while others were not. But all had ideas about how to make it more attractive.
Any 12-19-year-olds are welcome at the club, which is supervised by qualified youth workers and offers everything from pool to Wii gaming, table tennis to arts and crafts and cooking to cricket.
The new equipment even includes DJ decks for members to use.Youth worker Shirley Stenburge said: "The young people we spoke to were overwhelmingly in favour of extra activities and opening times, and were full of ideas.
"They also get involved with activities such as fundraising for trips away, most recently for a quad-biking trip to an outdoor centre near Thirsk, as well as smoking awareness and anti-bullying work."
Councillor Alex Cunningham, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "I am delighted we have been able to extend activities for young people in Ingleby Barwick but there is more good news to follow.
"We are also in the advanced stages of planning for a Youth Café in Ingleby Barwick.
This would provide a drop-in centre for young people to meet up with their friends in a safe environment, take part in activities and learn new skills.
"If all goes to plan, the Youth Café could open within the next nine months."
The Youth Club takes place at the Ingleby Barwick Community Hall on Haresfield Way on Tuesdays at 5.30-9.30pm, Thursdays at 7.30-9.30pm and Fridays at 6-8.45pm.
Football sessions, led by qualified coaches who are youth workers, also take place at All Saints School on Mondays at 8-9pm, Tuesdays at 6-7pm and Fridays at 6-7pm.
http://www.stockton.gov.uk/ |
