Twenty-two young people aged 16 from the B&NES area are participating in a Summer programme as part of the National Citizen Service set up by the Government.
This six weeks course encourages young people to get far involved in their community. Thirty thousand people have been involved in this project nationally.
Local young people have participated in a week’s residential in the Brecon Beacons, followed by team building exercises in Bailbrook House, Batheaston.
They are now embarking on a 3 week social action project. Their projects are to provide a day out for the elderly on August 20th, to Weston Super Mare and a fete for the elderly on August 26th.
Cllr Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown St John), Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth Services, said: “I am so impressed by these young people giving up their free time during their holidays to participate in this scheme. It is also good to see that their community project is concerned with the elderly and their objectives are to forge closer links between the young and old, breaking down stereotypes.”
One of the participants, Bethany Tavener from Bath added “I really like doing something for my community.”
For more information on the scheme, you can visit: www.engage4life.co.uk