Waterside – May 2023

25 May 2023

The team have shared with us details of their recent favourite sessions:

Jessica

“I am choosing half term activities as my favourite, focusing on bat box making which we did in February 2023 in partnership with Newbury Town Council! Half terms are great as it allows us to work with different partners to offer new and different activities to young people. I like thinking up ideas for an activity each half term and getting young people’s feedback on what they think of them.

“This photo is my favourite as it shows how much team work and concentration went into making the bat boxes which took a lot more effort and patience than we thought they would! I think that half term programmes bring a lot of benefit to young people, they can try something new, interact with different young people of a variety of ages and they can also learn some new skills.”

Keli-Jo

“This is a picture from BoxWise with Nick and it’s one of my favourites because when Nick was busy helping out another student with their technique one of our young people (on the left) had seen another young person (on the right) struggling to hit the bag properly for a little while and decided to help them out, the young person helping out has only been to a few sessions but took it upon herself to help one of her peers out when she felt they needed it. The BoxWise programme brings out the best in our young people and helps them build confidence in interacting with one another.”

Kelly

“My favourite photo this month is from our Coronation Celebration. This photo shows some of our Waterside Young Leaders alongside Berkshire Youth staff and the former Mayor and former Mayoress of Newbury.

“Our staff and Young Leaders hosted a range of activities for community members to participate in, whilst others chose to watch the coronation on our screens in the Kersey Hall.

“With visits from MNR Coaching and Swings & Smiles to help provide activities on the day, and support from local party shop, Pageant Party, for our decorations, we had a truly lovely atmosphere and spirit for the day of celebration.

“I am immensely grateful to work alongside this amazing group of people every day and inspired by their support for Waterside Centre / Berkshire Youth in all that we do.”

Ken

“I’ve chosen the Easter half term lacrosse workshops – the sessions were really good as they provided some of our young people with the opportunity to try a sport they have never played before, as well as learn new skills in a relaxed and non-competitive environment.

“Through my work with young people it has become evident that there is a rise in the amount of young people suffering from anxiety and other forms of poor mental health. Being active and participating in sport can have a very positive impact on young people’s health and mental wellbeing.”