Young people ‘Off the streets’

Two age groups drawn from young people involved with two community groups are set to take part in the ‘youth intervention’ workshops.

The events are funded by the Western Education and Library Board’s Youth Service, and are being run by the Roe Valley Residents Association and Bovally Community Association.

Young people on the course will take part in fun, informative workshops aimed at keeping them “off the streets” and engaged in a worthwhile activity. Other attractions include trips to the Peace Bridge in Londonderry, the Brunswick Cinebowl and the Jungle in Cookstown.

The ‘Off the Streets’ project begins tomorrow evening in the Roe Valley Leisure Centre from 5.00pm to 7pm for children from Primary Four to Primary Seven, while children of secondary school age will attend from 6pm to 8pm.

Roe Valley Residents Association and Bovally Commuinty Association are closely linked and carry out several projects together. They provide a variety of activities catering for everyone in the local community, for both young people and adults of all ages.

Other recent activities with young people in the area have included a ‘clean up operation’ which took place last week, as well as the successful completion of a ‘Cook It’ programme.

Paul Shields, Youth leader for Bovally Community Association explained: “We do quite a lot of work with the people at Roe Valley Residents Association, for a number of projects. We recently completed the Glencool Valleys scheme which ran throughout the last few weeks, with workshops at the Roe Valley Leisure Centre.

“This latest project, which is being led by the Roe Valley Residents Association, is a wholly worthwhile project and we are glad we are able to take part.”

Weekly at the local community groups throughout the year includes Junior and Senior Youth Club, Arts and Crafts, educational initiatives, skill based workshops, training programmes and social activities.

The Western Education and Library Board, through their youth service, have awarded funding for the ‘Off the Streets’ project.

The WELB explain why they fund projects such as the one run by the Roe Valley Residents Association and the Bovally Community Association: “Through involvement in Youth Service activities, young people benefit greatly. Not only are friendships cemented and forged but there are real opportunities to develop socially, morally, physically and intellectually through participation in challenging, dynamic and stimulating programmes.

“Just as the programmes vary so do the locations where young people meet. Young people can be engaged on the streets, in community centres, youth centres, schools, church halls, on boats, mountains or even underground.”