A Message from Jenifer Cameron
One of the things I value most about Action4Youth is that our wide range of programmes and activities has something to offer every single young person, regardless of background or ability. Everyone can benefit from something we do. But, of course, some young people need more help than others and our challenge is to understand what those particular needs are and what barriers prevent those young people getting the help they need and then to surmount those obstacles to achieve that “level playing field” of which we hear so much.
Living in this area, I’m often struck by the contrast between how people live in Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and in the surrounding counties and the perception in the national media and around the UK of the “wealthy south”. It seems to me that people here live in the same way that they do around the country: some are well off, most work very hard and some have a hard struggle. The only real difference is we all live in more expensive houses than most around the UK. Because of our expensive houses this area very rarely qualifies for funding which is targeted at what are considered to be areas of deprivation. We have those areas too but they are often camouflaged within the broader picture.
So I am delighted that Buckinghamshire Council has formed an influential group to address levelling up across the county and delighted to be joining that group to speak up for those young people who need more help. Economic deprivation is just a starting point in this discussion. Those with disabilities and special needs always face an uphill climb and there are many other barriers faced by so many. Addressing this is a big challenge but a group of substantial people is tackling it so let’s all hope for progress.
The Junction
We were delighted to welcome guests to The Junction, our Wycombe youth centre. With Emily our Programmes Director are community officers, new Centre Manager, Ayobami Akingolugobade, our Ambassador, Sir Francis Habgood and Henry Almand, CEO of Heart of Bucks.
It was great for them to meet and spend time with some of the hundreds of young people enjoying the centre and benefitting from its range of activities and services.
Counselling @ The Junction
*Amy has started her counselling sessions at The Junction a few weeks ago and says although she has only had a few sessions so far, she already feels very comfortable and has built a trusting relationship. Amy has been attending sessions on a weekly basis, each session lasting 50 mins. She has been making progress towards her counselling goals and she always looks forward to her sessions as she feels heard and listened to in a safe place where she can offload without judgement. Amy also stated that she has been given tools through the counselling sessions to help her in her everyday struggles.
* Name has been changed to maintain confidentiality
A4Y In Conversation With Series 2022
Please join us for ourIn Conversation With series covering a variety of issues and topics facing us today.
View Now – Sir Francis J S Habgood QPM DL and His Honour Judge Francis Sheridan DL, discussing youth crime and punishment in Buckinghamshire and Julius Weinberg talking about The importance of arts and culture for young people
Available next week
16th March 2022 – 4pm -Simon James, Service Director of Education, Buckinghamshire Council
To join the session go to the weblink and click on the video at 4pm on Wednesday 16th March 2022.
Holiday Clubs at The Caldecotte Xperience
The Caldecotte Xperience runs a range of great adventure clubs throughout the year for children and young people of all ages and abilities.
If you’ve ever wanted to try a different activity under the guidance of experienced instructors, our holiday clubs could be what you’re looking for.
Adventure Days 19th, 20th, 21st & 22nd April 2022 – Click here
Holiday Adventure Courses 19th – 22nd April 2022 – Click here
RYA Sailing School Course Level 1 and 2 19th – 22nd April 2022 – Click here
Membership & Training
Soon we will be concluding the 2021-22 membership year. It has been great to hear that those who were finding it challenging to open have managed to do so.
2022-23 membership year
Price increases are being felt across all goods and services and we recognise the squeeze felt for many coming through the pandemic. We have taken the decision to freeze our annual membership fee at £100 to support you.
Keep an eye on your emails for further details about your renewal.
New training dates will be on the website shortly, with plenty of additional content in the members area.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY- CALLING WYCOMBE DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS
If your organisation is operating in areas where Red Kite Housing has properties you are eligible to apply. The process is clear with plenty of supporting resources including videos and succinct details to help you with the application. Funds must be applied for by 31st March 2022 but not required to be spent before then.
https://redkitehousing.org.uk/supporting-communities/community-funding/starting-blocks
NEW Team members & Ambassador
It is with great pleasure to introduce our new team members. Please join us in welcoming them to the team!
Colleen Perry – Administrator to the Board
Sarah Hall – Marketing Assistant
Ayobami Akinolugbade – Centre Manager at The Junction
Welcome to our New Ambassador
We are proud to have well known Milton Keynes businessman, Paul Kitchen, joining us as an Ambassador supporting our work and bringing his wide ranging expertise. Read more about Paul here.
Employee of the Month
We’d like to congratulate Georgie Daniels & Megan Boyce for winning employee of the month in January and February. Georgie was nominated for being “focussed and organised; very flexible, working across different programmes”.
Megan was nominated for “Doing a great job with the social media; a calming presence in the Aylesbury office and always happy to help out”
Congratulations Georgie & Megan!
Features
Check out the latest issue of Aylesbury Town matters and read about our brilliant National Citizen Service programme.
