A project helping to create opportunities for young people in Seaham will continue for a second year after receiving £18,611 of new funding from believe housing.
The housing association has awarded the grant following the success of Youth Connect Seaham, which was launched last summer with an initial £29,994 of community funding.
Delivered by Groundwork North East and Cumbria, the project is helping to tackle antisocial behaviour, improve neighbourhoods and build confidence and community pride in Deneside and Eastlea.
Over the past year, the project has provided free sports activities, creative sessions, outreach work and trips for local children and young people.
Participants have made new friends, taken part in activities that support numeracy and mental wellbeing, learned about water, road, rail and fire safety, and explored their future aspirations and local issues.
The groups have also organised litter picks and begun transforming an underused area at Ryton Crescent, previously affected by fly-tipping, through tree planting with support from believe housing colleagues.
Residents are now being invited to share their views and help shape activities for the next 12 months as the project enters its second year.
Anne-Marie Parkin, Community Investment Coordinator at believe housing, said: “Over the past year, Youth Connect Seaham has brought residents together, created new opportunities for children and young people and supported positive changes in the local area.
“From community activities to environmental projects, it is helping people feel more connected to where they live.
“We’re pleased to be funding the project for a second year so this work can continue.
“We want residents to tell us what’s made the biggest difference and what they’d like to see happen next, so future activities are shaped by the people who live there.”
Julie Dower, Neighbourhood Manager at believe housing, said: “We’re already seeing the impact this project is having in Deneside and Eastlea.
“By bringing together residents, local organisations and colleagues from across believe housing, the project is giving people the chance to get involved and make improvements in their communities.
“Residents are taking pride in where they live, and we’ve seen a reduction in issues such as fly-tipping.”
believe housing customers and residents of Deneside and Eastlea can share their views on the project by attending a drop-in event at:
Seaham Youth and Community Centre, Strangford Road
Monday 21 September, 10am to 12 noon
Wednesday 23 September, 12 noon to 2pm
Seaham Leisure Centre, Laurel Avenue
Thursday 24 September, 11am to 12 noon
Monday 28 September, 10am to 11.30am
Or they can complete an online survey here.
