Positive meeting place for young people in Warwickshire
Young people in Warwickshire who are looking for something to do after school are being invited to hang out in PODS this autumn.
The scheme, which stands for Positive Operational Drop-in Strategy, is run by Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People (PaYP) programme and offers a range of activities for 8 to 13-year-olds across the county.
The free two-hour sessions – held between one or two evenings a week – will begin again from 28 September and includes arts and crafts, sport, music and dance – as well as a safe place to chat or play video games.
POD sessions are run by trained activity workers from Positive about Young People and other appropriate agencies to build relationships, talk, listen, offer guidance and positive role models, or to signpost young people to other support services where necessary such as Early Intervention Teams or Mentoring.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “This scheme provides young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to listen, and gives them a chance to do something positive for the community.
“The PODS provide a safe and relaxed environment for young people to beat boredom, express their thoughts and have fun.”
PODS are not only there for young people – agencies will endeavour to attract the wider community. It is hoped PODS will become positive community focal points.
For further information regarding Positive about Young People or to find out where the closest POD is to you, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/payp or contact Mark Bolton on 02476 754174.