Youth organisation shows it's going from strength to strength

The organisation’s roots were put down some ten years ago when the Ministers’ Fellowship in the town recognised the need to enhance the churches’ existing outreach. In 2000, a committee was formed to establish GBYFC and in September 2004 they began youth outreach alongside a developing schools’ work programme.

Since 2004, the organisation has been continually growing and in September 2006 they employed their first full-time member of staff - Jonny Farrell. The organisation continues to have schools and youth outreach work at its heart, and in 2008 this was greatly enhanced through the opening of the youth drop-in centre at 1 Granges Street (above Mauds). The drop-in centre is a hub of activity with many programmes taking place during the week, providing young people with a safe and welcoming environment where they can enjoy each others company and engage with programmes and supportive workers that help them along their teenage journey.

During the year the centre is open for ‘drop-in’ where young people can simply come and hang-out, relax or play some pool/table tennis etc. The centre also has programmes that young people can engage with specifically for guys and girls which are aimed at helping them to explore issues that they might face growing up in Ballyclare.

One of the big highlights of the past year was the Youth for Christ Summer Camp, where young people from the many YFC centres around Northern Ireland came together for a week of activities. It was a great opportunity for young people to spend time making new friends, doing activities/watersports and working together as teams in competitions throughout the week. It was a real highlight and the young people that were there really enjoyed it and are all looking forward to going back in summer 2011.

The past year also saw the launch of an after-school football group which continues to grow in popularity and this year GBYFC are hoping to launch new initiatives to continue to give opportunities to young people from all parts of the Ballyclare area.

At present, GBYFC are looking to recruit a second full-time staff member to help with the ever expanding work - there are also numerous opportunities to volunteer with the organisation during the week.

For more information contact Jonny on 9332 3389 or email [email protected]