Youths help develop new playgroups

A group of young people in Nottingham have given Rainworth families a boost with a whole summer of play activities delivered locally, as part of the National Citizens Service programme.

The enterprising 16 youths, all aged under 18, worked with Third Star and Nottinghamshire Futures to develop a new play scheme for children aged 5-12, as part of their social action project.

They realised there was a lack of play activities and equipment in the local area, so set about establishing two play days per week throughout the school summer holidays for children at the Rainworth Youth and Community Centre.

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The play groups were so successful that they managed to secure funding from Nottinghamshire County Council in the form of an £800 donation to buy play equipment.

Group member Jake Scott (16), of Mansfield, said: “We leaflet dropped all the houses in the catchment area, produced posters, and spoke to members of the community about what they were doing and looking for.

“We found out that play days were needed in the area and so thought that we would try to make this happen.”

“It is great that they have been so popular and we have managed to get some funding. We also attended workshops on health and safety, safeguarding and equality and diversity, so it has helped with our development too.”

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Nine members of the group have now been inspired to pursue careers in youth work and Third Star have secured qualified youth worker training courses for them.

Jake has started his course with Third Star and is looking forward to a future career in the youth sector.

If you are aged 16-17 and are looking for a life-changing experience, want something great to put on your CV or university application form or fancy meeting new friends, get in touch with the National Citizens Service by visiting www.ncn.ac.uk/ncs.