Young people's activity scheme gets a funding boost

The activities are part of the Summer Splash Scheme which runs across Northern Ireland in July and August targeting up to 6000 young people. It aims to divert young people away from acting in an anti-social way by providing them with a more positive and constructive way to use their time. The scheme receives 200,000 funding from the Department of Justice and offers activities such as sports and dance, arts and crafts, cooking sessions and personal development citizenship programmes.

The scheme also encourages these young people to engage with their local community by carrying out a clean-up of the area or organizing an event for younger members of the community, an element which is deemed essential when educating young people about the impact that anti-social behavior can have on the community

Funding of 6000 has been awarded to Londonderry with 270 young people taking part in schemes and programmes throughout the city. Derry City Council Community Safety Partnership oversees the administration of the scheme in the Council area.

Speaking about the initiative Alderman Drew Thompson, Chairperson for the Derry City Council Community Safety Partnership said: “Any assistance for diversionary activities within communities during the summer months is most welcome. There are several dates within July and August when community and youth leaders have to work hard to ensure that our young people don’t get involved in anti-social behaviour and schemes that are fun, engage their interest and build self esteem can go a long way to diverting youngsters away from trouble.”

Alderman Thompson continues, “Summer Splash not only encourages young people away from negative activities, it also requires them to make a positive contribution to their community such as litter picks, community clean-ups, graffiti removal or assisting at a community event. The CSP has supported many successful summer schemes and I would like to wish this year’s projects every success.”

Launching this year’s Summer Splash at the Greystone Estate in Antrim, David Ford MLA Minister for Justice said: “By providing young people with constructive, fun and interesting activities throughout the summer months we can reduce the risk of them being involved in anti-social behaviour.

“Although I appreciate that for the vast majority the risk is low, we must invest in our young people and do all we can to reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour in our society. As well as having fun and learning new skills, young people throughout Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to meet new friends and undertake activities that will benefit the communities in which they live.”