A Summer of fun

Here are some images from the summers activities that were run for young people in Lakenham and Tuckswood. There has been a fishing trip, football academy, dance workshop and there is still a photography project to happen.
These events have been a great success with over 40 young people taking part. There has been a complete mix of young people including ethnic minorities, girls, those from deprived backgrounds, Christian and non-Christian. This eclectic mix of people is a great example of how community is being built in Lakenham and Tuckswood. Parents have made comments of appreciation. Jenny, the mother of a girl who took part in the dance workshop expressed how “it’s really good that there are things like this going on in the community. It’s a wonderful way for my daughter to get out there and meet new people”.
The dance and football projects grew as they went on. People who were walking by or had heard about the events once they had started were intrigued to see so many people taking part in the activities. Parents were notably impressed that such good quality activities were available to the
Young people of the community for no cost! With over 20 teenagers taking part in the football project, there is high demand for more of the same to be available.
Not only were these events fun, but they were a great opportunity for the young people to develop their skills and abilities. Those doing football increased their passing, shooting and turning skills while the dance group learned about working together and taking into consideration the difference in others. One of the young footballers described how he’d “learned loads about being part of a team”.
Each of the events were hosted by New Hope Christian Centre working in partnership with other groups. Notably Nikki, who attends Norwich Family Life Church taught the dance group while Chris from Stalham Baptist church was the head coach of the football group. It was really exciting to see the Church coming together to work in a community with young people, encouraging them and developing their skills.
Foundations for these events have been laid over many years and it is hoped that as they increase in popularity, there will be growth in the quality and number of events being put on by the church in the community. This summer really has been a fun-filled holiday seeing loads of young people replacing boredom with positive community based activities.

Picture: Top, Football trainingat Jubilee Park. Bottom, A great fishing trip.