Communities reap rewards as Norfolk youngsters take part in positive activities

Added: 14/08/2008
Category: Norfolk County Council

Young people across Norfolk are spending this week painting, pruning and litter-picking as they take part in a range of positive activities.

Youngsters involved in the Right Direction project are developing their communication, team-building and creative skills by taking part in a series of projects aimed at benefiting both them and the wider community.

The project is delivered by Norfolk County Council, including Connexions and the area youth work teams, in partnership with the YMCA. It is aimed at supporting young people at risk of social and educational exclusion and aims to divert young people, who may be at risk of committing anti-social behaviour, into positive activities.

Young people take part in all of the activities on a voluntary basis and the scheme provides them with an opportunity to develop self-discipline and confidence.

Shelagh Hutson, Norfolk County Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: “The Right Direction is a fantastic scheme which has helped engage hundreds of youngsters in positive activities.

“The community projects give young people real opportunities for personal development. They work as part of a team, channel their energy in a positive way and get to see the real benefits of hard work. Not only are they developing their own communication skills and confidence but they are learning to be active citizens by taking part in projects that really benefit their communities.”

This week young people from Thetford will take part in conservation work on the broads. On Wednesday they will be at Whitlingham and on Thursday they will work at Potter Heigham. Their work will include reedbed restoration, scrub clearance and footpath and boardwalk maintenance.

Meanwhile, young people in Dereham will be taking part in a community clear-up and litter pick on Thursday and Friday in Neatherd Moor.

In Norwich, young people will be at Henderson Green Primary School on Wednesday and Friday, to complete a project they began last summer.

Last year, the 11 to 16-year-olds designed a Japanese garden themed mural and used aerosol paints to bring the artwork to life. The mural included the school's apple tree logo and was aimed at inspiring creativity in the primary school pupils.

The group are now extending the artwork to create a 100ft mural covering the whole of the school wall.

The Right Direction offers positive activities to young people every school holiday. Keyworkers also work with young people throughout the year to support their education and development.

Harry Town, programme manager for the Right Direction, said: “This scheme offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with young people and help them nurture their creativity and their talents.

We want young people to be engaged in positive activity and have respect and regard for the well being of others. The Right Direction is key to this and we are proud of the work we are doing in Norfolk."