Summer Splash time

BALLYMONEY Community Safety Partnership in conjunction with the Northern Health Trust, Causeway Rural and Urban Network and the PSNI launched the Ballymoney 'summer splash' initiative at the beginning of July.

Over 100 young people in the Borough have the opportunity to take part in the Summer Splash initiative designed to divert young people away from acting in an anti-social manner during July and August and offer them a more positive and constructive way of using their time.

The summer splash initiative is running across all 26 council areas in Northern Ireland with the financial support of the Department of Justice Community Safety Unit.

Eight groups will be participating in the initiative across the Ballymoney Borough. Each group was given the opportunity to select two awareness raising workshops from a menu of topics covering issues which affect young people today.

These included topics such as drugs and alcohol, solvent abuse and mental health. Following these workshops the young people will have the opportunity to experience natural highs when they can get their adrenaline pumping with Ardclinis Outdoor Adventure. Finally each group of young people will undertake a community project where they will give something back to their community.

Mayor Cllr. Bill Kennedy, stated, "We know that most young people are simply looking forward to enjoying their school holidays. However, we are aware that boredom and a lack of available entertainment plays a role in the decision of some young people to engage in activities that can lead to anti social behaviour.

"We are therefore pleased to offer our support to the Summer Splash initiative. I believe it is valuable for young people to experience activities that offer them an opportunity to develop and engage their interest whilst making a contribution to the community and this offers the perfect opportunity to do so."

The summer splash initiative will run during July and August throughout the Borough. For further information please contact Cathy Watson, Borough Services on 028 27 66 0257 or email at [email protected]

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