Two fun-filled events In Stoke-on-Trent signalled the official launch of a summer of activity for Space 2019.
Staffordshire’s Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis dropped into two activities based at Hanley Park and Ormiston Meridian Academy where a variety of activities were taking place.
The Hanley Park event, organised by the YMCA, saw the first official Space launch in the area with DJ sessions, football, cricket, crafting and a climbing wall available to hundreds of young people.
The Commissioner then paid a visit to Ormiston Meridian Academy where young people were being taught the ropes on a climbing wall, multi-sport sessions and boxing.
Matthew said: ‘Seeing the excitement and joy of children is exactly what Space is all about and that was very apparent during my visit to see the wonderful work delivered by multiple providers and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
‘Space is not just about traditional sporting activities, but also about creativity, art, and being inspired, which I most certainly was.
‘Since its relaunch in 2015, the Space programme has gone from strength to strength with year-on-year attendances increasing each time and levels of anti-social behaviour dipping during these weeks. Each year we receive very positive feedback from young people and I’d encourage anyone between 8 and 17 to get involved.’
Space aims to provide fun, positive activities throughout the school summer holiday and gives young people from across the county the opportunity to build their confidence, develop life skills, improve their health and general wellbeing.
Gareth Jones Principal at Ormiston Meridian Academy said: ‘Ormiston Meridian Academy is delighted to be supporting this year’s Space scheme. It is so encouraging to see organisations such as: education, the Police and City Council coming together to provide a wide variety of activities and projects to engage 8 – 17 year olds during the long (for parents) summer holidays.
‘It is right and proper that the academy should open its doors and be at the centre of the community who then have free access to our excellent facilities. The benefits to young people of participation in such projects are massive, not only from a health and fitness perspective but also in terms of their personal development.
‘Active involvement in the Space programmes will allow young people to become independent and self-confident, whilst at the same time making new friends and even learning new skills. It is for such reasons the Ormiston Meridian Academy is fully supportive of this exciting initiative.’
Daniel Flynn, Chief Executive YMCA said: ‘I’m really happy and excited to be working alongside the Staffordshire Space programme.
‘I was one of the kids from a previous generation to attend the Space scheme and if there is ever a way of engaging young people with adults and authorities this is it.
‘Seeing Hanley Park so alive has been fantastic and I applaud Matthew and all the staff involved with the Space scheme for sharing this positive piece of work.’
Space was introduced by the Commissioner, with a view to bringing together public, voluntary and private sector organisations to help nurture, support and guide youngsters across the county.
Full details of the Space programme, which runs until Friday 30 August, can be found on the web site at www.staffordshirespace.uk
