Young people across Norfolk are set to run projects to create more active communities, inspired by the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympic Games, thanks to YMCA Norfolk.YMCA Norfolk will be teaming up with Get Set for Community Action, a new UK-wide programme designed to help 14 to 19-year-olds improve the health of their communities and is.
Ten young people who are not in education, employment or training will be encouraged to use the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements to shape two complete projects during the course of the programme.
The first project is a Community Fun Day on Southtown Common, Great Yarmouth on Saturday September 3, run in conjunction with local partner Make it Happen.
Charlie Smith, Lead Engagement Worker in the project said: “it is brilliant that we are able to have such a supportive partner in Make it Happen and the ability to take part in this community event which aims to encourage awareness of the Olympic and Paralympic games and promote the cohesion of young people and their surrounding community.
“The young people have had various ideas for the event and one of our activities will be basketball-related. Basketball is a sport that was first created by the YMCA and it should help this be a great event.
“All young people involved have been attending a local youth group which assists those who are at risk of not being in education and training to gain new skills. The community fun day will be a brilliant way of giving the young people some responsibility and the ability to be creative!”
Tim Sweeting, Chief Executive of YMCA Norfolk said: “YMCA is delighted to be the community delivery partner for the Get Set for Community Action programme.
“We believe in the power of communities and the potential for young people to positively contribute to their local neighbourhoods.
“Health and Wellbeing is one of five key service areas for YMCA and, through Get Set for Community Action, we will be able to work with yet more young people, offering more development and volunteering opportunities for them to belong, contribute and thrive.”
YMCA Norfolk is one of 15 YMCAs around the country taking part and this year it is celebrating its 160th anniversary year. YMCA Norfolk supports thousands of young people locally and on any one night they provide a safe home and support for over 240 young people affected by homelessness.
The programme was created by the British Olympic Foundation and British Paralympic Association and made possible thanks to the Big Lottery Fund. The Get Set for Community Action initiative will run until October 2016.
Jan Paterson, Chief Executive of the British Olympic Foundation, added: “It’s great to see the Get Set programme continue to offer empowering and engaging opportunities for young people and their communities.
“Get Set for Community Action is a dynamic and creative way to improve life skills as well as staying active and the British Olympic Foundation is incredibly proud to be part of a programme which is so supportive of the Olympic Movement and its values.”
To find out more about YMCA Norfolk, visit www.ymcanorfolk.org
To find out more about Get Set for Community Action visit www.getsetaction.org.uk
Pictured top are a team from YMCA Norfolk running a previous basketball initiative outside the Forum in Norwich city centre.