A group of people from Lundwood in Barnsley are providing vital work in their community, thanks to 18 months of support from The Youth Association’s ‘Adopt the Outdoors’ project. Support from the Big Lottery Fund has allowed our youth and community workers to develop people’s skills, increase access to training and volunteering and improve community relations.
The development of local Community Ambassadors has been central to the project, which has attracted a lot of support from the local community. A committed group of Community Ambassadors, including five regular volunteers and ten juniors, are now running the scheme with a little help from TYA, applying for their own funding and taking ownership of the project. The lead volunteers – Kimberly Greenwood and Sue Fox – are also undertaking a Level 2 Youth Work qualification with us.
Lundwood Community Ambassadors fundraising to support local families
With our guidance and encouragement, the group have been determined to build strong relationships within their community and have received help from local councillors in running charity fundraising events and Christmas activities. The Community Ambassadors also developed their own youth project to engage 11 to 16 year-olds, reducing isolation and risky behaviour in the neighbourhood.
The group have held numerous community events at Burton Grange Community Centre, including a community litter pick, activities delivered by local teens and a community movie show. Young people have also delivered arts and crafts sessions, hosted a raffle and cooked and served meals for the community. The group has recently raised £198 to subsidise a coach trip for families to see the Blackpool illuminations.
The Youth Association was one of the first organizations in Britain to train youth workers and we continue to do so today. Our support enables people across Yorkshire to train as youth workers in their own communities. Take a look at our video to find out more.
