We had another fantastic Summer Scheme that ran over the summer with a fun packed programme of activities. Young people got to attend lots of different trips including fun days, the zoo, play parks, Air-tastic and much more. Over the course of the scheme the young people made new friends and memories, challenged themselves, overcame fears and learnt new life skills. We had some in-centre activities as well, including a magic show and a visit from the NI Fire Service.
The scheme is a great way for enhancing the skills and giving opportunities to our senior member volunteers also. We had 6 volunteers aged 15-17, who gained experience in youth work. These young people were a great help and it give them an insight into working with children.
Feedback from young people: “I really enjoyed the summer scheme. Every day we got to do something different. I made loads of new friends. My favourite trip was Lady Dixon fun day – I learnt how to make a hut out of trees”
Feedback from parents: “Best Summer Scheme on the road. My two children had brilliant fun. The staff were really attentive and got involved with the kids. They will definitely be back next year. It was really good value for money. Well Done Sally Gardens.”
Feedback from Volunteers: “I loved helping out during the summer scheme. It’s my first year but I thought it was great. I learnt about the importance of getting to know the children and making sure they are having fun. I found out how stressful it can be looking after young people but also how rewarding it is. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the summer scheme. I can’t wait to next year.”
Project supported by Belfast City Council.
Poleglass Community Association @ Sally Gardens are delighted to have been successful in securing four year funding from the European Social Fund, Department for the Economy, match funding from Urban Villages and support from Belfast City Council Capacity Building Grant to deliver an employability themed project for the Colin area. Our Building Your Future project will stimulate capacity building and employment prospects for 360 unemployed, job seekers and economically inactive individuals, through the provision of an employability programme focusing on preparing individuals to access, prepare, secure and sustain labour market opportunities aligned to the initiatives arising from the significant public procurement capital investment programme across specifically the Colin area of West Belfast and the city growth in general. Michael George Chairperson of Poleglass Community Association @ Sally Gardens ‘Our Building Your Future Project is a fantastic opportunity for residents living in the Colin area who wish to improve their employment prospects through training with partners in the building, hospitality or tourism sectors. We are very hopeful this opens lots of new potential for our local community’. Órlaithí Flynn MLA ‘Many people from across the Colin area can now benefit from the ‘Building Your Future’ this is unique as it changes the method of help given to job seekers and people with barriers to employment through focussing specifically on providing more support for an individual’s needs to remove these barriers’ Linsey Farrell, Director of the Urban Villages Initiative commented, ‘The Urban Villages Initiative is working with the community in Colin to support new partnerships and major programmes tackling issues important to local people. The Building Your Future project will help adults and school leavers gain new skills, qualifications and the confidence to boost their job prospects. Partnership delivery with many groups and venues across Colin is building the capacity of this community to lead large scale and deliver new collaborative approaches to help residents and neighbourhoods to thrive.’
