Hadleigh’s Porch Project has seen unprecedented numbers of young people aged 11 to 18 attending the Friday night drop-in session.
Thanks to increased outreach in the area, and working in local schools, in recent weeks more than 50 young people have joined per session, with participants accessing a range of activities on offer to develop personal and social skills.
With their confidence growing, those attending have been able to approach Porch Project staff to access an environment to talk, seek out mentorship and support, while improving their wellbeing.
The drop ins are a safe space, with the sessions giving them the opportunity to play indoor sports such as table tennis and pool, take part in arts and crafts such as bead-making, and socialise with others at their own pace.
One young person who regularly attends the sessions previously told staff that she can’t wait for the Friday night drop-ins, and counts down the days until she can attend again.
Porch Project also has a teaching kitchen, giving young people valuable cooking skills and the chance to learn about a healthy diet and nutrition. Those attending can also discreetly access hygiene products available in the building.
Karl Foster, youth worker at Porch Project, explained: “It’s important to provide opportunities for young people to engage with their peers, to meet like-minded people and create meaningful friendships.
“We’ve seen friendships that have been made here at Porch Project extending into everyday life, which underpins the importance of youth provisions.”
He continued: “The more young people we interact with, the more it helps us to better understand the needs of these people within our community. We want our work to be Youth led.
“Without their voice, or engagement, we wouldn’t be able to understand what the young people in Hadleigh want, and what they feel is currently missing.”
Find out more about Porch Project here.
