NEWS RELEASES
Support to young people in Horsham Park
8 May 2008
THE YOUTH support team returned last weekend (2 May) to build a presence in Horsham Park on Friday evenings over the summer.
Based on last year’s pilot project, around 130 young people gather in Horsham Park every weekend during the early evening and the Youth Support Team (YST) will be on hand during the summer months to work alongside those that meet there.
The team is a partnership project between Brighton Road Baptist Church, West Sussex County Council Youth Service, Horsham District Council, Horsham District Crime and Disorder Partnership and the Anglican Parish of Horsham.
The volunteers have been trained in how to work with young people in this setting and have been equipped with skills in first aid, personal safety and child protection.
It is anticipated that their presence will raise awareness of safety and reduce the fear of crime together with a greater awareness of socially acceptable behaviour.
The team will also be able to give guidance and support to young people on such subjects as drug awareness, sexual health, alcohol awareness, housing, education and leisure activities.
Explaining the project in more detail, Trevor Beadle, Community Development Manager at Horsham District Council, said:
“Horsham Park is the largest gathering space for young people in Horsham with facilities such as the skate park making it a popular place to meet.
“Whilst it is important that young people visit the Park for recreational reasons, the Youth Support Team will help to ensure that their activity is positive, safe and healthy.”
Ray Driscoll, YST Project Co-ordinator and Youth Worker of Brighton Road Baptist Church, added:
"It is fantastic that we are able to send out teams of trained volunteers into the park again this summer.
“The work that took place last year has given us the platform to develop the project even further and tackle the issues that matter to the young people of our town."
For more information please contact Horsham District Council on 01403 215631 or email community.development@horsham.gov.uk
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk