28th February 2019
Youngsters in Kendal are developing skills and attributes to build self-confidence and understanding of the world around them by taking part in social action.
Chestnut Events received £5,000 from the #iwill Fund towards the Youth Grows project, encouraging social action with a horticultural and healthy eating theme.
Young people aged 15 to 18 have already transformed the courtyard at Westmorland Hospital with new raised beds, seating and a disabled work station. Many of them will continue to volunteer and eventually create their own marketing campaigns to promote their projects.
Joseph, 16, said: “I really enjoyed my summer project working alongside the staff at Chestnut Events. I learnt so many interesting facts and practical skills, so much so I want to continue volunteering whenever I can!”
120 young people were involved overall in the project. At Stramongate School, the gardens were maintained over the summer, ready for the pupils to return in the autumn. Other projects included supporting disadvantaged young people and their sensory garden at Sandgate School, a Kendal river walk litter pick and helping a local elderly lady who had suffered a serious injury after a fall by holding a community BBQ on her small holding.
Jan Quinn, Project Manager of Chestnut Events, said: “One of our service users and a young person formed a good mentoring relationship. Independently they came up with a fundraising idea for the Youth Grows team to take an active part in the Christmas Tree festival, run by Kendal Parish Church. Together they organised the whole event, the tree design and filmed themselves on a vlog, raising £80 for the charity. This showed how young people being given an opportunity can work together successfully for the good of themselves and the community.”
Chestnut Events was formed in 2006 to help children, young people, and adults to develop skills to cope with everyday life.