MAKE SPACE GETS THE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING FOR WINSFORD'S S

MAKE SPACE GETS THE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING FOR WINSFORD'S STARS OF THE FUTURE AT Y ACTION
 
Is Cheshire home to the next Ms Dynamite or JK Rowling?
 
From rap to writing and from sport to singing, teenagers in Winsford could be soon shaping-up to become the stars of tomorrow, thanks to Y Action Youth Group becoming one of the first in the country to gain official 'Make Space' Status![kcn1] 
 
'Make Space' is a campaign to create a nation-wide[kcn2]  network of contemporary after-school clubs for young people, funded by the Nestlé Trust[kcn3] .  By achieving Make Space' status, clubs become eligible to apply for a number of activities which the campaign provides such as making their own records and learning new sports and dance moves[kcn4] .
 
Y Action was awarded 'Make Space' status after providing evidence that it met the necessary criteria, including the provision of a chill out room in which young people can relax after school hours.
 
Make Space clubs offer a safe and welcoming environment for young people aged 11-16 out of school hours. In addition to a chill out space, Make Space clubs provide access to a range of activities and opportunities funded by Nestlé, including sports and creative activities. They also provide quiet areas for study or homework support[kcn5] .  Research* shows that boredom is one of the main complaints of young people throughout the UK with six out of ten teenagers and eight out of ten parents thinking that there is simply not enough for young people to do in their area, and 80% of teenagers admitting they often feel bored. 
 
The aim of the Make Space clubs and the activities they provide is to alleviate this boredom and provide young people with a stimulating and sociable place to congregate.
 
Some facts about Y Action: 
 
·        An independent youth and community empowerment group which aims to build a better community for the people of Winsford, Cheshire.
 
·        Y action aims to work with children, youths and adults build that future together.
 
 
·        There are currently over seventy members in the Winsford area.
 
·        A local organisation, run by local adult and youth volunteers.
 
·        Y action aims to be educational and fun.
 
·        A number of youths have received the prized Millennium volunteer award.
 
·        Several members have received awards from the Cheshire learning partnership, including Young learner of the year for Cheshire 2004.
 
·        A Y action youth won the Northwest Nationwide Community aware for her excellent community work for Y action, she is currently a National Finalist for the Nationwide Awards to be held in October 2004.
 
·        The group is validated by
·        All volunteers and members are offered educational opportunities.
 
·        The group is affiliated to the highly regarded Youth Federation.
 
·        Cheshire Council validates the group for Voluntary Youth Service.
 
 
Y action is a quality organisation run by the local community. (Insert details if any).
 Baroness Thornton, chair of the Make Space Development Fund, said:  “I’m delighted to congratulate Y Action on achieving 'Make Space' status.  It is always very encouraging to see a community committed to investing in local youth – and this status means that there will now be even more opportunities for these young people.”





 [kcn1]I appreciate that this is a good "hook" for journalists but concerned that it could lead to Make Space being construed as a talent scouting organisation or something?!


 [kcn2]Only in England so perhaps need to qualify this?


 [kcn3]I do think this would sound more credible if we mentioned 4Children here but appreciate the reasons for not doing so.


 [kcn4]The Just Write programme is on hold for the time being so we should avoid referring to it


 [kcn5]