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Over the last couple of months, the team have focused on drop-in sessions; they have also run several workshops to ignite interest in the creative arts. This includes a 'Cos-play' session at the NET where young people designed roleplay accessories, including a Medieval Gauntlet. The young people enjoyed it and have requested more sessions.
In late October, a fashion design session gave young people the chance to hear from professionals in the industry and think about career opportunities, as well as how to get involved with Medway Fashion Week in February Half-Term in 2022. Eddy, who works in the fashion industry, talked about his experiences, what to expect, and how you can make your work stand out. We'll be looking to run more fashion workshops this year (watch this space).
A small group have been learning guitar at the WREC afterschool drop-in. The group are incredibly musical, and some also play the keyboard. Their focus has been trying to learn a 'riff' to a new song (One of the young people have got so good that they have taught another youth worker how to play).
The Saturday Gaming Club at the WREC Youth Centre continues to be a success, with the current group taking the lead on how the session runs. The sessions are so popular that on occasion, they get a special visitor...
Monday nights have become a space for youth music, with young people learning to play guitar and keyboard. The music quizzes are still popular too.
We've seen a number of young people who've recently started college or work but still want to pop into our Gillingham Centre for a chat or to cook food. The centre also welcomes the young people from the ‘BeYou’ LGBTQ+ project who call in after school and then stay on to join the senior session when their project finishes.
Wednesday's Shine group (aimed at young people with additional needs aged 11-18) has been going well (and we've seen some new members join recently). The young people in this group did some excellent arts and crafts over Christmas. We've also been keeping them busy with a bowling trip, film night and a Christmas party.
Black History Month took place in October and the young people had a great time exploring food and culture, learning about Nigerian customs and enjoying food from Africa and the Caribbean.
During October Half-Term, we held our fourth 'Big Camp' event. The camp offered a wide range of activities, including Nerf Wars, archery, and an evening hike. Young people carved pumpkins and joined a group from Finland via a video link-up, taking part in a competitive Halloween quiz.
Youth Workers
Our Gillingham Youth Workers have been out and about too, including delivering a session at Robert Napier School around relationships, identity, and an introductory First Aid course. Meanwhile, the team continue to offer multi-sports activities at Saunders Street, which is regularly attended each week. The youth workers have also taken hot chocolate to Rookery Fields to have positive conversations with young people and other community members.
The Youth Service has now launched a junior session every Thursday with cooking, games, sports, and creative activities.
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Duke of Edinburgh
The Youth Service continues to offer the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (D of E) to young people who might not be able to or choose not to do it with their school. During 2021, the service had to look at alternative methods of running the course but still had a small group complete their bronze accreditation (they're now working on their Silver award).
The young people on the D of E Award have completed a wide range of skills, including cookery, learning about the SouthEastern railway network, knitting and music skills. Volunteering has included supporting youth sessions, sign language and volunteering at a steam railway. The young people have been walking, running, and playing sports for the physical activity section of the D of E Award.
Currently, young people are working on their first aid certificate, doing creative arts, climbing, archery and learning how to be senior members. Recently, the team worked with young people from Trinity School, who completed their silver expedition in October.
Did you know: The bronze award is relatively easy to obtain and can take just six months. Our service has all the kit and support to help you complete the award. The D of E staff team are more than happy to help and we're currently taking new sign-ups for this year. Email youth.enquiries@medway.gov.uk
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Medway Council and Medway health partners are creating a new healthy weight campaign for everyone who lives, works or studies in Medway. The campaign will launch later this year. Part of this research is to talk to as many people as possible (aged 13+) so we can make sure the campaign works for you.
This survey will ask you questions relating to your eating and physical activity habits. As a thank you for completing the survey, you will have the option to enter a prize draw to win a pair of Apple AirPod headphones.
The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete.
Taking place between 7 – 13 February, this year’s theme is growing together. Throughout the week, we’ll be issuing a range of information on our A Better Medway pages to promote top tips to help support good mental health for your child.
It’s normal for children to feel anxious or stressed about school, particularly following the difficulties we’ve all faced over the last two years through the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are support services available for both children and adults across Medway; here are two services which are free to use:
Kooth
An online mental health community giving free and confidential advice for young people aged 10 – 25 - available between midday - 10pm weekdays (and 6pm-10pm weekends).
Release the Pressure
If your child is feeling anxious, our Release the Pressure service can help. Text the word ‘Medway’ to 85258 for confidential, expert support. Alternatively phone 0800 107 0160 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
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New for 2022: Exclusive fitness classes for women and girls
Thanks to Medway’s Safer Streets initiative, we're delighted to provide new sports sessions this winter which are available to women and girls.
- We have 11 new indoor and outdoor classes available
- Each session is run by our trained fitness coaches
- It's a great way to meet new people and enjoy a great workout safely
Selected session are FREE.
For full details (including pricing for indoor fitness classes) and to book, visit our webpage
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Medway Heroes in Time - Send us your stories
Throughout this winter, we’re looking to uncover stories from Medway's hidden history to help more schoolchildren learn about our proud multicultural history.
Do you:
- Know someone whose story should be shared more widely from your community?
- Someone who, at some point, lived or worked in Medway and was a positive role model in local or national society?
- We’re looking for historical stories: whether you had family members who enjoyed living in Medway or you know of friends who have memorable stories that celebrate your proud culture
Medway’s towns, villages and communities are rich in history, but we know much remains hidden or not widely shared. We are working with local schools in 2022 who are keen to use this wealth of local knowledge to enrich their curriculums with local content.
if you have a hidden hero or story that celebrates Medway’s proud history, please share with us. Email your story to historyhero@medway.gov.uk
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