Summer fun with the Larne YMCA

The authorities took time out from their busy schedules to visit members of Larne YMCA’s Autism Project, and led them in a fun event which included a question and answer session, bandaging, stretchering and hosing down.

The group would like to thank St John’s Ambulance and the Fire & Rescue Service for their time.

The Autism project will continue to operate over the summer with a voluntary staff team.

Larne Athletic Club’s Rhonda Brady has also been keeping the After Schools group busy with athletics sessions.

The first event concentrated on team games and relays, teaching the importance of communication and team work.

Meanwhile, the After Schools Transitions project came to an end with a visit to The Prom Cafe for evaluation and certificate presentation.

A group of eight young people participated in this eight week programme, which covered items such as coping with change, bullying, relaxation, sources of support and the opportunities ahead. The feedback was positive from both young people and parents.

The After Schools staff then had their own outing to the Play Resource Centre, where they gathered supplies for summer.

Before they left, the kids used up all the scrap materials in a huge Junk Art session, leaving plenty of space for materials.

This week, girls from the After School project enjoyed an outing to get their nails done. The better weather has also meant more outdoor action with plenty of park visits.

Larne YMCA received good news from Mid and East Antrim Council, who confirmed that they will supply funding towards new equipment and the group’s Good Relations Five programme.

In addition, Larne YMCA’s Youth Club is now operating under its summer timetable, which includes two evenings and various day trips.

Members enjoyed an action-packed visit to the Eddie Irvine centre for go karting, laser tag and football.

Another memorable day trip was to the Aurora Centre in Bangor for swimming, followed by an afternoon cinema visit and dinner at McDonald’s.

Most recently, the youth club enjoyed an evening of bubble football and mocktails courtesy of Believe in Youth, as well as a night of entertainment by Party Animals, who brought along all kinds of furry and slithery creatures.

The group wishes to thank the Education Authority for covering the staff costs for these sessions, which enables it to offer provision for local young people over the summer holidays.

This week, the group is holding its Good Relations Five residential programme in Rostrevor with 24 young people and 10 peer leaders who will deliver a session on key historical dates and events since World War One. These include the Olympics in World War Two, what the opposing sides in WW2 have contributed to the world, the setting up of the NHS, the invention of the world wide web and joining the EEC.

Peer leaders will use a variety of methods in their delivery such as group discussion, video, quizzes, art and role play, all of which are great training for the future.