Warwickshire’s young people invited to winter PODS
Young people looking for something to do in Warwickshire after school are being invited to hang out in PODS this winter.
Otherwise known as Positive Operational Drop-in Strategy, they are run by Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme (PaYP) offering 8 to 13-year-olds a range of activities across the county.
The free sessions – held between one or two evenings a week – include arts and crafts, sport, music and dance as well as a safe place to chat, play video games or finish homework.
POD sessions are run by trained activity workers from PaYP 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.
Mark Bolton, Operations Development Manager for Positive about Young People, said: “At this time of year when the weather’s cold, it’s often difficult for young people to entertain themselves.
“So the aim of the PODS is to provide somewhere to go, something to do and someone to listen as well as giving young people the chance to do something positive for the community through various activities.
“PODS also offer a safe and relaxed environment to beat boredom, express thoughts and have fun.”
PODS are not just 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.