13th April 2016
A new project which provides peer mentoring to assist junior school children with a smooth transition to life at senior school was able to go ahead thanks to a £750 grant.
Drop Zone Youth Projects in Barrow-in-Furness provides a space where young people can socialise, take part in community activities, raise the positive profile of young people and help young people to explore issues that affect them.
The mentoring scheme enables senior school pupils to support their younger protégés with advice and friendship. In turn, the more senior pupils develop skills in responsibility, problem solving, communication and teamwork.
Support is provided through structured activities including a homework club, indoor sports, art projects, fundraising and awareness sessions. Fundraising initiatives have comprised of coffee mornings and community festivals, while awareness sessions have encompassed Fairtrade and cyber bullying. Sporting activities include running, football, tag rugby, end ball, indoor hockey and wheelchair sports.
Funding has come from the Wing Cdr H Thompson & Rev Green Grassroots Grants Fund, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation.
Susan Johnson, the Project Manager at Drop Zone, said: “One young person was able to develop her coaching skills and lead a sports session. She was able to use this to gain her Duke of Edinburgh award and gain a peer mentor award. She was so successful that the qualified coach let her run a senior session with her peers which helped her develop her confidence.”
The funding has enabled Drop Zone Youth Projects to continue its important work supporting young people at this critical time of life and to purchase new equipment to support their activities.