Half term adventure for young people in Yorkshire

Young people from across Yorkshire were given the opportunity to boost their skills and confidence at a residential in Thirsk during February half term.

Around 30 youngsters aged 12 – 16 from Wakefield, Halifax and Hull came together at Carlton Lodge thanks to the Reachout programme.

Run by Newground Together, a charity that’s part of the Together Housing Group, Reachout operates in South Kirkby, Pellon and Ings to support young people, families and communities through a number of projects.

The theme of the residential is community and the home so the participants took part in activities from team-building exercises such as raft building, bush craft and a scavenger hunt to life skills such as problem solving.

Lucy Keogh, Youth & Community Senior Project Officer, said: “The young people really enjoyed the residential. For many of them, this was their first time away from home without their parents so it was a chance to gain a bit of independence.

“Half term often signals a week of being glued to a games console, badgering mum and dad for money to go out or hanging around street corners with friends, which while usually harmless, can be intimidating and perceived as anti-social behaviour by older and vulnerable people in the community.

“The residential gives these youngsters the chance to meet like-minded people their age, get a bit of fresh air and physical exercise, experience some freedom away from their families, as well as giving their families some respite, and go home with a new skill or two.”

For more information, visit https://youtu.be/eWwuxtz2sM4