Warwickshire News Mine

In November 2008, hundreds of 13 to 19-year-olds filled in a user-satisfaction survey held annually by the Youth and Community Service, with many asking for more things to do during the summer holidays.

Taking that in to consideration this summer, the county council team ran 54 projects covering 32 days including sailing, canoeing, rock climbing, football, cookery, health promotion, art and dance, paint balling and learning to drive.

There were also six residential trips to Marle Hall Outdoor Education Centre in Wales, Brenscombe Outdoor Centre in Dorset and a narrow boat in Warmington.

Over the six-week school break, more than 4500 contacts in total were made with young people, with over 200 gaining a nationally recognised accreditation.

Rob Townsend, Deputy County Youth Officer (Operations) for Warwickshire County Council, said: “Young people are at the centre of what we do, so it was particularly important for us and out partners to listen to views and act on them.

“It has been a bumper summer of activities and we are extremely pleased that so many young people were able to attend, try something new and above all have fun, and we hope to build on this success in the future.”

Sergeant Stuart Wild from Warwickshire Police said: “We welcome any initiatives that can entertain young people during the school holidays. Figures show that during the times when the activities were running we had very few instances of anti-social behaviour reported.

“We will continue to work with partner agencies and support their initiatives.”

To find out more information about Warwickshire County Council’s Youth and Community Service, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/youthandcommunity.

Link to WCC