From various discussions at the start of 2008 with local community groups, the police, Mid Suffolk District Council,
Suffolk County Council and the local schools, it was decided that holiday activities could be a potential way of addressing the young people’s
issues for Claydon and the surrounding areas.
Utilising responses from a recent consultation exercise with young people, it was decided to keep the project local (thus within easy access). Further aims were to introduce the local youngsters to some new and interesting activities for their spare time, whilst also helping working parents. Some of the activities were new to the area and some were with existing providers that the young people already knew via another venue.
CYCP is very much a joint community based project managed by a team of people who work or live in the local area and who have all contributed either funding or their time and commitment to the project since 2008.
The project took off in the Easter Holidays of 2008 with an aim to try and gauge interest, numbers, and the amount of work involved - with a view to expanding into the Summer Holidays. The Easter project was such a huge success a longer and bigger project was hosted over the summer that year!
The activities are open to all the young people who attend either Claydon High School or its feeder Primary schools. Sessions are also open to any young people between the ages of 10 and 16 who live in the Claydon High School catchment area. Some of the activities are for a full day; others run for a morning or afternoon. No previous experience is required for any of the activities. The activities cater for all levels of expertise, abilities and ages.
CYCP utilises a central bookings system and a separate Project Phone Number – managed by our bookings co-ordinator. The phone number for the project is 07788 796182.
Claydon High School is delighted to offer its continued support to CYCP. It is an excellent and highly successful initiative widely regarded as a model of good practice, due not least to the collaboration between Local Authority officers, police, school, councils and local community. We believe it is important to young people and their community to encourage them to use their leisure time positively. It is great that so many took part in a wide range of exciting and enjoyable activities over the Easter and Summer holidays of 2008, trying new sports, being creative together and learning new skills. There is no doubt that they enjoyed and benefited from the experience; from this very successful start we look forward to the project providing more opportunities for even more young people from the local community.
The Claydon Youth Community Project was a great success and we saw a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area at the time it took place. Sadly it is usually quite common to see an increase in criminal damage offences during school holiday periods. I have found that activities such as CYCP are effective in diverting young people away from anti-social behaviour (ASB). The Positive Futures activity occurring in Stowmarket is also having the same influence on crime reduction and ASB. This is not only beneficial to local residents and businesses but also reduces the likelihood of our young people entering the criminal justice system.
Utilising responses from a recent consultation exercise with young people, it was decided to keep the project local (thus within easy access). Further aims were to introduce the local youngsters to some new and interesting activities for their spare time, whilst also helping working parents. Some of the activities were new to the area and some were with existing providers that the young people already knew via another venue.
CYCP is very much a joint community based project managed by a team of people who work or live in the local area and who have all contributed either funding or their time and commitment to the project since 2008.
The project took off in the Easter Holidays of 2008 with an aim to try and gauge interest, numbers, and the amount of work involved - with a view to expanding into the Summer Holidays. The Easter project was such a huge success a longer and bigger project was hosted over the summer that year!
The activities are open to all the young people who attend either Claydon High School or its feeder Primary schools. Sessions are also open to any young people between the ages of 10 and 16 who live in the Claydon High School catchment area. Some of the activities are for a full day; others run for a morning or afternoon. No previous experience is required for any of the activities. The activities cater for all levels of expertise, abilities and ages.
CYCP utilises a central bookings system and a separate Project Phone Number – managed by our bookings co-ordinator. The phone number for the project is 07788 796182.
Testimonials
Claydon High School is delighted to offer its continued support to CYCP. It is an excellent and highly successful initiative widely regarded as a model of good practice, due not least to the collaboration between Local Authority officers, police, school, councils and local community. We believe it is important to young people and their community to encourage them to use their leisure time positively. It is great that so many took part in a wide range of exciting and enjoyable activities over the Easter and Summer holidays of 2008, trying new sports, being creative together and learning new skills. There is no doubt that they enjoyed and benefited from the experience; from this very successful start we look forward to the project providing more opportunities for even more young people from the local community.
Graham Alcock
Deputy Headteacher
Claydon High School
The Claydon Youth Community Project was a great success and we saw a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area at the time it took place. Sadly it is usually quite common to see an increase in criminal damage offences during school holiday periods. I have found that activities such as CYCP are effective in diverting young people away from anti-social behaviour (ASB). The Positive Futures activity occurring in Stowmarket is also having the same influence on crime reduction and ASB. This is not only beneficial to local residents and businesses but also reduces the likelihood of our young people entering the criminal justice system.
Neal Atwell
Chief Inspector
Mid Suffolk District Commander
Suffolk Constabulary
