Thu - September 6, 2007
New opportunities to work, train and volunteer on County's Leading Youth Magazine
Youth
Times - the youth-led media project that provides a voice for young people in
Herefordshire is seeking volunteers and people interested in training or working
on the project.
"If you already have some media skills and experience of working with young people we may be able to offer you work on the project", said Adrian Lambert, Director of Youth & Education at The Rural Media Company which runs the Youth Times project. He went on to say, "If you are under 25 and are interested in developing creative media skills and sharing them with young people, we may be able to offer a training placement to put you on the road to becoming a qualified youth media worker."
As well as gaining practical media and communications skills and literacy, young people say Youth Times also enhances their confidence and status because their views and opinions about local communities and wider society are taken more seriously. Young people produce Youth Times' e-magazine InSITE (www.insitemag.net), which explores topics from the very local to the global.
If you would like to become more involved with the running and development of Herefordshire's award winning media and publishing project by and for young people, contact Natalie on 01432 344039, email nataliep@ruralmedia.co.uk or visit www.ruralmedia.co.uk.
"If you already have some media skills and experience of working with young people we may be able to offer you work on the project", said Adrian Lambert, Director of Youth & Education at The Rural Media Company which runs the Youth Times project. He went on to say, "If you are under 25 and are interested in developing creative media skills and sharing them with young people, we may be able to offer a training placement to put you on the road to becoming a qualified youth media worker."
As well as gaining practical media and communications skills and literacy, young people say Youth Times also enhances their confidence and status because their views and opinions about local communities and wider society are taken more seriously. Young people produce Youth Times' e-magazine InSITE (www.insitemag.net), which explores topics from the very local to the global.
If you would like to become more involved with the running and development of Herefordshire's award winning media and publishing project by and for young people, contact Natalie on 01432 344039, email nataliep@ruralmedia.co.uk or visit www.ruralmedia.co.uk.
Posted at 09:21 PM Top
Mon - February 12, 2007
Half Term Mountain Biking for 13 - 19 year olds
Fancy having a go at Off Road Biking
during Half Term? Herefordshire Community Youth Service is running three days of
mountain biking during the February half term. The days are based in the Forest
of Dean and you will get the opportunity to ride through some of the best
woodland in the
country.
During the day you will have the opportunity to try out different skills and even have a go at down hill riding! All biking is instructed and lead by trained Mountain Bike leaders who are registered with Herefordshire Council. The programme is running on the 12th 13th & 16th February, you can book on any one of these days. The Cost is £15 for the day, which includes hire of a mountain bike, helmet and transport to the venue. Places are limited and are only secured when booking form and payment have been processed.
If you are interested, and would like a booking form, please contact: Nick James - Williams, Outdoor Education Team, 01432 260 212 outdoored@herefordshire.gov.uk www.herefordshire.gov.uk/youthservice
During the day you will have the opportunity to try out different skills and even have a go at down hill riding! All biking is instructed and lead by trained Mountain Bike leaders who are registered with Herefordshire Council. The programme is running on the 12th 13th & 16th February, you can book on any one of these days. The Cost is £15 for the day, which includes hire of a mountain bike, helmet and transport to the venue. Places are limited and are only secured when booking form and payment have been processed.
If you are interested, and would like a booking form, please contact: Nick James - Williams, Outdoor Education Team, 01432 260 212 outdoored@herefordshire.gov.uk www.herefordshire.gov.uk/youthservice
Posted at 05:57 PM Top
Tue - October 10, 2006
Herefordshire Youth Council's first big event ...
Postponed.
Just one week left to book a place at Herefordshire Youth Council's
first big event. Saturday 21 October, 2.00 - 9.00pm at Hereford Sixth Form
College.
Posted at 08:12 PM Top
Wed - June 21, 2006
Where Wild Things Play!
Summer's
here and what better to do with your time then get out and explore
Herefordshire’s beautiful countryside! Who better to explore with than
your family and Herefordshire Nature Trust’s Where Wild Things Play
project! Become poets in the woods in Ledbury, brave the dragons of Mordiford,
picnic on Bromyard Downs or make your own explorer’s kit at Ross-on-Wye
… just a few of the wild nature activities to join in on. Also, be sure
not to miss our series of Trail-Tastic adventures.
Call Where Wild Things Play (or visit the website) to find out about where to collect the latest trail challenge sheet! For further information on any of our activities contact Jo Polack 01432 356 872 or email wildplay@herefordwt.cix.co.uk or go to the website here.
Click on 'Read More' to see forthcoming events. They're all free!
Call Where Wild Things Play (or visit the website) to find out about where to collect the latest trail challenge sheet! For further information on any of our activities contact Jo Polack 01432 356 872 or email wildplay@herefordwt.cix.co.uk or go to the website here.
Click on 'Read More' to see forthcoming events. They're all free!
There will be a Wessington badger
watching evening some time in 2006 for families with older children (8+) at a
date and time to be confirmed. Let us know if you are
interested.
July
Saturday 1st July 2.30 – 4.30 pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity ‘Words in the woods’. A Ledbury Poetry Festival fringe event.
Booking essential. Join us on a poetic journey in Dog Hill Woods; seeking out nature’s stories amongst the shapes and shadows, weaving wonderful webs of words!
To book call 0845 458 1743 or visit www.poetry-festival.com
Meet at 2.30pm at Rose Garden. Wear strong shoes. We will not be walking far around the woods but the initial walk to the woods is steep and not very suitable for pushchairs or very little feet!
Friday 7th July 4.30-6.30 pm
Dragon tales and dragon scales in Haugh woods!
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Help us kick start the Mordiford Dragon Festival with an adventure walk in Haugh woods. Meet at Haugh woods car park.
Call for more details and to let us know you are coming.
Thursday 27th July 11 – 1pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Play and picnic on Bromyard Downs.
Let’s launch the school holidays. Find your favourite creatures and explore the sights and sounds of the beautiful Bromyard Downs.
Bring a picnic lunch. Meet at car park beside Royal Oak pub (off B4203)
August
Tuesday 2nd August 11 – 2 pm
Aylestone Park, Hereford *
Its national play day! So come and Play, Naturally!
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Explore the elements in so many different ways. Celebrate this new wild side to Hereford.Drop in. Why not bring a picnic lunch?
Tuesday 8th August 2-4pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Amazing Trees, Queenswood*
Booking essential. Places limited.
Lets discover the stories of the many trees of Queenswood. Listening and chattering, exploring our way around the woods we’ll create some wonderful tales!
To book phone Queenswood 01568 798 320 email queenswood@herefordshire.gov.uk
Thursday 10th August 2-4pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Crooked Well, Kington
Make Your Own Explorers Kit.
Come and explore Kington’s wild side and make your own nature discoverer’s kits for whenever you go off on a wild adventure.
Drop in
Tuesday 15th August 11 – 2pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Amazing Trees
Help us bring to life the characters and creatures from our stories on 8th August. You don’t have to have been with us on 8th to join in!
With these creations you will be making the Autumn trail for Queenswood.
Drop in
Thursday 17th August 2-4pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Ross on Wye
Make your own explorers kit!
Come and explore the wild side of Ross and make your own nature discoverer’s kits for whenever you go off on a wild adventure.
Find us at the bandstand at Caroline Symonds Gardens near the river.
Free
July
Saturday 1st July 2.30 – 4.30 pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity ‘Words in the woods’. A Ledbury Poetry Festival fringe event.
Booking essential. Join us on a poetic journey in Dog Hill Woods; seeking out nature’s stories amongst the shapes and shadows, weaving wonderful webs of words!
To book call 0845 458 1743 or visit www.poetry-festival.com
Meet at 2.30pm at Rose Garden. Wear strong shoes. We will not be walking far around the woods but the initial walk to the woods is steep and not very suitable for pushchairs or very little feet!
Friday 7th July 4.30-6.30 pm
Dragon tales and dragon scales in Haugh woods!
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Help us kick start the Mordiford Dragon Festival with an adventure walk in Haugh woods. Meet at Haugh woods car park.
Call for more details and to let us know you are coming.
Thursday 27th July 11 – 1pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Play and picnic on Bromyard Downs.
Let’s launch the school holidays. Find your favourite creatures and explore the sights and sounds of the beautiful Bromyard Downs.
Bring a picnic lunch. Meet at car park beside Royal Oak pub (off B4203)
August
Tuesday 2nd August 11 – 2 pm
Aylestone Park, Hereford *
Its national play day! So come and Play, Naturally!
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Explore the elements in so many different ways. Celebrate this new wild side to Hereford.Drop in. Why not bring a picnic lunch?
Tuesday 8th August 2-4pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Amazing Trees, Queenswood*
Booking essential. Places limited.
Lets discover the stories of the many trees of Queenswood. Listening and chattering, exploring our way around the woods we’ll create some wonderful tales!
To book phone Queenswood 01568 798 320 email queenswood@herefordshire.gov.uk
Thursday 10th August 2-4pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Crooked Well, Kington
Make Your Own Explorers Kit.
Come and explore Kington’s wild side and make your own nature discoverer’s kits for whenever you go off on a wild adventure.
Drop in
Tuesday 15th August 11 – 2pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Amazing Trees
Help us bring to life the characters and creatures from our stories on 8th August. You don’t have to have been with us on 8th to join in!
With these creations you will be making the Autumn trail for Queenswood.
Drop in
Thursday 17th August 2-4pm
Where Wild Things Play Family Activity
Ross on Wye
Make your own explorers kit!
Come and explore the wild side of Ross and make your own nature discoverer’s kits for whenever you go off on a wild adventure.
Find us at the bandstand at Caroline Symonds Gardens near the river.
Free
Posted at 07:25 PM Top
Fri - June 16, 2006
Summer activities for young people
Babysitting Course –
young people – 12
places
Starting Thursday 15 June at Close House, Hereford.
Runs for 6 weeks – June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13 and 20 4 – 6pm and Sundays July 2 and 16 10am to 4 pm for First Aid and Childcare. FREE
Basic First Aid – young people and adults –10 places
Starting Tuesday 20 June at the Red Cross Centre, Blackfriars Street, Hereford
Runs for 4 weeks – June 20, 27, July 4 and 11 6.15pm to 8.30 pm
Young people (13 -19 years) - £5 for the course (subsidised by HC Youth Service), adults working with young people - £20 for the course
Canoeing – young people – 8 places
Starting Wednesday 26 July at the Canoe Centre, Castle Green, Herefordshire Council Running for 6 weeks – July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 1.30 – 4 pm FREE
Water Activities Days – young people – 8/10 places daily
Friday 28 July 9.30am – 4.30pm at Bodenham Lake, Bodenham. Tuesday 22 August – 9.30am – 4.30pm at Bodenham Lake, Bodenham FREE
Please contact Ann Hyde, Community Youth Worker, Hereford City North, Close House, 3 St Peter’s Close, Hereford HR1 2DL on 01432 341011 to book these activities, or email ahyde@herefordshire.gov.uk
Please look out for forthcoming projects which include a special photo project, Community Sports Leader and Sports Leader Awards, and more.
Starting Thursday 15 June at Close House, Hereford.
Runs for 6 weeks – June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 13 and 20 4 – 6pm and Sundays July 2 and 16 10am to 4 pm for First Aid and Childcare. FREE
Basic First Aid – young people and adults –10 places
Starting Tuesday 20 June at the Red Cross Centre, Blackfriars Street, Hereford
Runs for 4 weeks – June 20, 27, July 4 and 11 6.15pm to 8.30 pm
Young people (13 -19 years) - £5 for the course (subsidised by HC Youth Service), adults working with young people - £20 for the course
Canoeing – young people – 8 places
Starting Wednesday 26 July at the Canoe Centre, Castle Green, Herefordshire Council Running for 6 weeks – July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 1.30 – 4 pm FREE
Water Activities Days – young people – 8/10 places daily
Friday 28 July 9.30am – 4.30pm at Bodenham Lake, Bodenham. Tuesday 22 August – 9.30am – 4.30pm at Bodenham Lake, Bodenham FREE
Please contact Ann Hyde, Community Youth Worker, Hereford City North, Close House, 3 St Peter’s Close, Hereford HR1 2DL on 01432 341011 to book these activities, or email ahyde@herefordshire.gov.uk
Please look out for forthcoming projects which include a special photo project, Community Sports Leader and Sports Leader Awards, and more.
Posted at 09:26 AM Top
Tue - January 31, 2006
Herefordshire Youth Council is on it's way ...
...
but your help is needed to make sure as many young people (11-18yrs) get to know
about it as is possible! Over 2300 young people across the county think
Herefordshire should have a Youth Council (Youth Survey
2005).What do Youth Councils do? A Youth Council meets up, discusses and acts on issues that matter to young people. They work alongside adults and decision makers (like the county council) to get young people's voices heard, to influence and change the way things work for the better. Youth Councils have. put on youth events & conferences, designed Youth Information Cards, given out money to youth projects, set up anti bullying projects, carried out surveys, found funding for skate parks and lobbied for change such as reduced bus fares... AND MUCH MORE!
Why have one in Herefordshire? It is YOUR RIGHT to be involved in decisions that affect your life. Young people are often left out of this process. There are hundreds of Youth Councils over the country. We don't have one here. A county wide Youth Council would help young peoples' voices be heard in Herefordshire and beyond through links with the United Kingdom Youth Parliament.
What's it all about? It's NOT about sitting round tables & always being serious. It's about having your voice heard, getting involved and having fun!
UPDATE, April: The Youth Council has now been elected! Over 700 young people voted across Herefordshire to get their voices heard and elect the Youth Council. The website is now live, please visit for further information www.herefordshireyouthcouncil.co.uk
Posted at 10:49 AM Top
Thu - December 15, 2005
Church befriends ‘hoodies’ in Hereford
The
following article, by James Mercer, Assistant Minister at St. Peter and St.
James Churches, may be of interest to local residents. It
has been submitted to Church
Times in response to an
article last week on 'Befriend the ‘thuggish
hoodies'.
St Peter’s and St James’ churches in Hereford have grasped the nettle of seeking to embrace the ‘hoody challenge’. Having become concerned at the numbers of young people hanging around St James Church in the evenings and causing nuisance to local residents as well as vandalism within the church grounds, a brave decision was made to open the church to the young people. Jon Holder, Youth Worker in training at St Peters and St James said ‘To us, church is about community. So we dived right in by opening up church on Friday and Saturday evenings - and providing a safe place for young people with hot and cold drinks, pizza, table top games, music and art’. The project has become known as ‘Beyond the Porch’ emphasising that for both the church community and the young people there is more to life beyond the church porch, whichever way you go. Read more ...
St Peter’s and St James’ churches in Hereford have grasped the nettle of seeking to embrace the ‘hoody challenge’. Having become concerned at the numbers of young people hanging around St James Church in the evenings and causing nuisance to local residents as well as vandalism within the church grounds, a brave decision was made to open the church to the young people. Jon Holder, Youth Worker in training at St Peters and St James said ‘To us, church is about community. So we dived right in by opening up church on Friday and Saturday evenings - and providing a safe place for young people with hot and cold drinks, pizza, table top games, music and art’. The project has become known as ‘Beyond the Porch’ emphasising that for both the church community and the young people there is more to life beyond the church porch, whichever way you go. Read more ...
‘BYTP’ has involved the
church engaging with local residents and the local community association.
Communication has been vital as some within the community would much rather the
police sought to move the ‘hoodies’ on to another part of the city.
Tim Jones, churchwarden said ‘this project is so challenging and
rewarding, finding that delicate balance between accepting peoples problems and,
without judging, helping them to overcome them - there is so much hurt and need
out there.’ The fact that ‘BYTP’ meets in a church would seem
not to be a problem for the young people. One of the helpers turned up recently
and found the doors still locked. The young people hanging about in the porch
reassured her: "It's OK", they told her in a matter-of-fact manner, "they're all
round the back praying, and they're opening the doors at half seven, so we'll
see you later."
At St Peters another initiative is growing in influence. A former vicarage adjacent to the city centre church has been converted into ‘Close House’ – a youth drop in centre and internet café. The centre is supported by Churches Together in Hereford and managed by an ecumenical team of Anglican, Catholic and Free Church trustees. The centre manager Tony Hodder reports that two hundred and eighty young people visit the centre during the course of the month. 17 year old Karl Lewis said ‘When I come down to Close House I can play pool and listen to music. The staff are very helpful and are willing to help me when I need it.’
Associate Minister of St Peter and St James, James Mercer said ‘We are encouraged and excited by these projects – they are a bit scary and on the edge, but have a ‘kingdom of God’ feel to them.’
For more information visit: www.jaba.org.uk or www.st-peter-james.org.uk
James Mercer 12.12.05
At St Peters another initiative is growing in influence. A former vicarage adjacent to the city centre church has been converted into ‘Close House’ – a youth drop in centre and internet café. The centre is supported by Churches Together in Hereford and managed by an ecumenical team of Anglican, Catholic and Free Church trustees. The centre manager Tony Hodder reports that two hundred and eighty young people visit the centre during the course of the month. 17 year old Karl Lewis said ‘When I come down to Close House I can play pool and listen to music. The staff are very helpful and are willing to help me when I need it.’
Associate Minister of St Peter and St James, James Mercer said ‘We are encouraged and excited by these projects – they are a bit scary and on the edge, but have a ‘kingdom of God’ feel to them.’
For more information visit: www.jaba.org.uk or www.st-peter-james.org.uk
James Mercer 12.12.05
Posted at 09:47 AM Top
Beyond the Porch - JABA’s new Young People’s Editor, Lauren Edwards, reports
Everyone has been discussing the new
Beyond The Porch scheme for local young people in one form or another, so this
reporter went down to see first hand what was going
on!
Beyond The Porch started back in September when the church opened its doors to the young people congregating in the porch. Inside, the young people can participate in a range of activities coordinated by the church group, including band practice or cookery as well as table football and snooker. The participants are welcome to join in the activities or just sit and chat in a friendly and safe environment. In either case it is clear that the young people are grateful for a welcoming and warm atmosphere away from prejudice, which is reflected in the respectful way that they conduct themselves in and around the area. Read more ...
Beyond The Porch started back in September when the church opened its doors to the young people congregating in the porch. Inside, the young people can participate in a range of activities coordinated by the church group, including band practice or cookery as well as table football and snooker. The participants are welcome to join in the activities or just sit and chat in a friendly and safe environment. In either case it is clear that the young people are grateful for a welcoming and warm atmosphere away from prejudice, which is reflected in the respectful way that they conduct themselves in and around the area. Read more ...
Not only is the church reaching out to
young people, but the young people in turn are embracing the opportunity to
spend their nights in good company. This two way activity illustrates the need
to build strong relationships with young people in any community as well as the
need that exists for such places for young people to attend in the evenings.
The church has come up against some resistance from immediate neighbours to the church. Some practices have had to be rethought to take into account local residents, as well as the safety of the young people, but it is important to understand that initiatives such as these grow and establish themselves over time. For example, the team are now trying to keep all the young people in the church by making the outside a no-go area. Smoking is now also banned in the porch, and, perhaps controversially, Beyond the Porch is now only for Year 10 (age 14) and up.
Although there are drawbacks to such a venture, it is encouraging that the community has taken the first step of realising that there is room for improvement in our youth’s recreational activities. By taking positive action we are not pushing the problem into other areas, but turning the spotlight around, addressing the issues on our own doorsteps and trying to find a solution, which is beneficial to us all.
The church has come up against some resistance from immediate neighbours to the church. Some practices have had to be rethought to take into account local residents, as well as the safety of the young people, but it is important to understand that initiatives such as these grow and establish themselves over time. For example, the team are now trying to keep all the young people in the church by making the outside a no-go area. Smoking is now also banned in the porch, and, perhaps controversially, Beyond the Porch is now only for Year 10 (age 14) and up.
Although there are drawbacks to such a venture, it is encouraging that the community has taken the first step of realising that there is room for improvement in our youth’s recreational activities. By taking positive action we are not pushing the problem into other areas, but turning the spotlight around, addressing the issues on our own doorsteps and trying to find a solution, which is beneficial to us all.
Posted at 09:40 AM Top
Wed - November 9, 2005
Call for volunteers - one day training 'Tackling anti-social behaviour'
Anyone wanting to help with the
forthcoming initiatives to help young people in the JABA area might want to
think about attending this training day in Manchester on 30 November entitled
'Working together we can beat it - tackling anti-social behaviour'. Read more
...
Anti-social behaviour and what
resident representatives can do about it is one of the biggest issues at the
moment. You are not powerless and agencies such as the Police and housing
managers are now willing to listen to you and use your experience more than ever
before. Seize the moment! You will
learn:
What anti-social behaviour is
Ideas on preventing anti-social behaviour
An overview of the law on anti-social behaviour
An introduction to mediation
Applying this learning to your own area
Cost £47 Book your places NOW! Either go to our website at www.pep.org.uk to book on line or, if you prefer, call Steve on 0207 281 2787.
What anti-social behaviour is
Ideas on preventing anti-social behaviour
An overview of the law on anti-social behaviour
An introduction to mediation
Applying this learning to your own area
Cost £47 Book your places NOW! Either go to our website at www.pep.org.uk to book on line or, if you prefer, call Steve on 0207 281 2787.
Posted at 10:43 PM Top
Thu - October 20, 2005
Beyond The Porch - Latest News
We've added the text of a letter
delivered to residents local to St James Church.
Dear Residents,
We thought we should write again to update you on what St. James’ Church is trying to do for both young people and local residents. Thank you to all those who have responded to the flyer we dropped round last week. We have had a very positive response from a variety of people, all of whom realise that young people need support, and that we as residents have the right to a peaceful evening in a local area that feels safe. If you haven’t yet responded, we would still love to hear from you.
To us, church is very much about community, and we believe that a solution can be found that meets both the needs of residents and the desperate need for some of these young people to find direction in their lives and for a safe place to go.
To that end, we will be re-opening the church on Friday and Saturday nights, but with some important changes as follows: -
The whole of the church grounds will be a no-go area for everyone. Young people will be told that the ‘deal’ is - they either come inside church or leave the area entirely
We will regularly patrol outside the church building and visit the corner shop – calling the police if we have any difficulty
Inside the building we will be providing even more reasons for them to stay (This weekend we are arranging art activities on Friday and a Wallace and Grommit marathon on Saturday; next weekend will be band and then pizza-making!)
We hope that we will begin to solve the problem of young people dropping in and out. If they have to leave the whole area they are more likely to stay inside where they are welcome, or leave entirely. We have spoken to lots of them, and they are actually quite happy with this arrangement, including leaving the area quickly and quietly at 10pm.
We sincerely hope and pray that, within a few weeks, you will soon find Friday and Saturday nights are in fact better than those nights when church is not open. The church stands fully with you against the unpleasantness you may have experienced with a minority of these young people in recent months. Beyond the Porch is one way that church can do it’s bit to help to solve this problem. But as followers of Christ we want to share Gods’ love with these kids, believing strongly in their God-given potential and passionate that we should go ‘against the flow’ in not judging them but listening to them and understand their problems too. We want to solve this problem rather than shunt it somewhere else, and want to thank you for standing with us as we try to do this.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to discuss this further. The Community Association are planning a public meeting about the needs of young people and other residents before Christmas, and we will keep you posted.
Very best wishes,