For the positive diversions project we had to engage with young people from the local Brunswick Ward in Leamington Spa. The aim of the project was to introduce young people to a variety of activities that they could get involved in around the local area. Recruitment was done through the local youth club and also by contacting participants of previous projects. Approximately 25 young people were contacted and from that around half expressed an interest in getting involved in the sessions on offer.

The course content was put together using previous consultations with young people from the area who requested sessions in Graffiti, Break Dancing, Kayaking, cooking and Sports. We provided all of the above sessions along with a team building session.

During the project attendance was strong with approximately 7 young people attending each session with a total of 12 young people taking part across the entire project.

For some of the sessions we employed outside professionals to deliver the sessions so the young people could get the maximum out of the experience. For the graffiti, Kayaking and Break dancing, professionals who also have experience of working with young people were brought in to work with the group.

After the project was over we asked the young people to give feedback of what they thought of the project and if they would do any of the sessions again. Below are some of the comments.

“I really enjoyed playing indoor hockey and would like to do it again at youth club”

“If there was a more long term graffiti project I would deffo come and do it”

“It has been good fun even though I got soaked doing the kayaking I’m glad I had a go”

Our sincere thanks go to the committee of the Warwickshire Area Fund, administered by Jane Coates of WCC for making this project possible.