This coming Friday sees a very special event take place in Sandown. A celebration of young people and the incredible achievements they have made over the past year or so with The Bay Youth Programme.
For the last 18 months Julian Wadsworth, the Community Resilience Coordinator for the Bay area and Youth Intervention Development Officer with IW Community Action, has been running the programme to provide a range of free activities, primarily for ten to 18-year-olds that live or are educated in the Sandown, Lake and Shanklin area.
News OnTheWight sat down with Julian to find out more about the project and this week’s celebrations. Jump to listen to the podcast.
Celebrating achievements and building skills
Julian explained that the celebration event for young participants is more than just an awards ceremony. It’s an opportunity for these young people to showcase their skills and talk about their experiences.
The programme’s holistic approach not only teaches technical skills, but also incorporates lessons in physiology, diet, and nutrition, aiming for overall well-being.
Influencing community and gaining confidence
Julian highlighted the importance of giving young people a voice in their community. The programme has successfully launched Youth Forums, enabling participants to engage in projects like filmmaking and even influencing hiring processes for key council positions.
Two young women from the programme even sat on the interview panel for the new Director of Children’s Services. Not only that, but they managed to get a commitment from IW council that they could check with the person appointed that they have lived up to the commitments they gave in the interview.
This initiative ensures that young voices are not just heard, but are instrumental in shaping their local environment.
Addressing social issues through engaging activities
Addressing antisocial behaviour and boredom among young people, the programme offers various activities like boxing and self-defence, tailored to specific needs, such as female-only sessions.
These activities not only provide structure and discipline, but also contribute to physical and mental well-being.
Challenges and future directions
Despite the success, Julian expressed concerns about the increasing number of young people not in formal education and the associated risk factors.
He emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to address these challenges and to ensure that young people have access to education and positive developmental opportunities.
Looking forward: Celebrating progress and building futures
The upcoming celebration event marks not just the end of a successful year, but also a testament to the positive impact of Community Action Isle of Wight’s work.
It’s an opportunity for the community to recognise the achievements of these young people and the potential for further growth and development in the region.
Showcasing some of the skills they’ve learned
The types of activities have included sports accreditation and certification, as well as volunteering programmes, art and and social action projects.
Julian told News OnTheWight,
“We wanted to put something together at the end of the year, to celebrate all those young people that have been involved in and received awards, or got involved in volunteering and bring them together with parent, carers, friends, and just celebrate their achievements.
“They can also showcase some of the skills they’ve learned, talk about their experiences and end the year on a positive note.”
Listen to the podcast
Click on the play button below to listen to the interview (41 mins).
