April 2021

Youth Organisations getting ready for the green light – to go

Now there is every chance we can look to the future with some confidence- the Community Partnership has given even more grants from its Physical and Wellbeing Youth Project to youth organisations for future activities – when the Government Road Map regulations allow.

As the Community Partnership is unable to deliver these activities ourselves we are passing the funds to those who have a better chance of helping the local youth. We want to support the hard work of volunteers and teachers during this exceptionally difficult time which has lasted for so long and at times seems never ending. But with hope just around the corner, funds in place, volunteers and teachers at the ready 2 schools (High School and Darras Hall Primary) and 3 youth organisations (Scouts, Rangers and Brownies) are planning their activities.

Last November the High School was granted money for new sports equipment called Kinball and in January the local Scout group were donated funds for new tents. Then in February and March the latest beneficiaries were 4th Ponteland Brownies, Castleward Rangers, and Darras Hall Primary School all to benefit funds for their proposed ideas and imaginative activities created to inspire our youth to stay positive and connected.

Some of the previous funds allowed young people to connect via Zoom as part of their activities with Scouts and Rangers now following the “Government Road Map” the earliest they can restart outdoor sessions from the 29th March, Leaders and Scouts can’t wait for some day hikes which are already being planned by the Scouts for the Easter vacation.   Without funding, volunteers and teachers, who are creating new ways to explore and learn, would not be able to fulfil this need.

PCP Quote: “The Community Partnership is delighted to have supported 2 schools and 3 youth organisations as part of the Physical and Mental Wellbeing Youth Project which started last September. This has turned into a fantastic project to benefit potentially over 1,700 local young people, with the funds helping volunteers and teachers to plan and implement new activities either via Zoom or as soon as the regulations allow in a more normal way. These activities for age’s 7 – 18 range from sport and recreation, art and crafts, also covering science, technology, engineering and maths all presented in a fun way. Now that schools have returned they will be able to initiate their activities with the youth organisations following some time after.”

4th Ponteland Brownies Quote “We are so excited to have been awarded this funding which will contribute towards their lockdown activities helping to remain connected as a unit. Activity packs have been sent out to each Brownie each month during the period of extended lockdown using Zoom meetings with the contents of the packs to engage in games and craft to entertain and explore; all to help them achieve more out of the Brownie badges programme. These sessions range from planting seeds and growing flowers and seeing them grow through spring & summer, First Aid with Teddies, introduction to map reading, secret messages and sign language – all important to help the pack feel connected. Once restrictions ease gentle rambles through the Ponteland bridleways could take place looking at the natural environment and local history Part of this money will contribute towards a safe bicycle course and a cycling proficiency badge when restrictions allow.”

2 Brownie Quotes: Ambika “I love Brownies as I get to see my friends on zoom” Brooke “Brownies is fun because we try new things and make new friends”

Ranger Guides Castleward Quote: ”This donation will make a huge difference to activities we can offer the girls at this most unusual of times. We are part of the 10 counties in the North East Girl Guiding movement all celebrating the 50 years of Guiding this year by completing the 50th Anniversary Challenge Badge. This is a great way for the girls to get to know their own county and the Northeast region through themed activities; for the Rangers this includes identifying famous people, landmarks, delicacies, craft and action activities. The challenge is geared for every level from Rainbows to Trefoil. This grant will enable the Guides out for a related activity challenge and more scope for online team building activities which work towards completing 2 unofficial challenge badges made from craft materials. Ideas like making beach bags or a “Hairy Mary caterpillar” which needs grass seeds and compost”

Darras Hall Primary School Quote: ”We are working towards organising broader based non-sport after school clubs that a more creative, when restrictions allow. Lockdown has highlighted the importance of school in maintaining a stable, safe and enjoyable place to be. We wanted the clubs to provide something special that we don’t always do in the curriculum. At this time there is a need to boost self esteem and confidence by providing for over 55 children things like an art club using a selection of different materials than the school is able to provide and a STEM (science technology engineering & maths) club equipment where children can experience experiments like exploding cola, foam rain clouds and marshmallow building – all exciting, fun and unusual. Our clubs are both scheduled to run next half term, straight after Easter.”

January 2021