Fun In The Sun For Blackpool Youngsters

The new school term might be around the corner, but children across Blackpool have been making the most of the summer holidays thanks to an action-packed programme of events and activities.

From learning horse-riding to circus skills, youngsters have thoroughly enjoyed the Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) scheme which has been based at Boundary Primary School on Grange Park throughout the school summer break.

Children have not only been getting active and having fun some of them have also made lasting friendships.

An average of 50 young people have attended daily and enjoyed many varied activities including football, cricket, rounders, netball, circus skills, horse-riding, go-karting, swimming and fishing.

The summer scheme aims to promote sport and physical activity, as well as healthy lifestyles to the young people of Grange Park, encouraging positive use of their leisure time and building stronger community relationships.

Healthy eating has been the order of the day after funding was kindly provided by Blackpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) for the purchase of fruit, water and breadsticks for refreshment breaks, helping towards the government’s ‘five a day’ policy.

Inter-agency working has been key to the success of the summer scheme with several agencies including Blackpool Council, Blackpool Police, Grange Park Residents Association, Sure start, Boundary school and Blackpool PCT providing staff, resources and prizes for the young people.

Although Summer is almost over, PAYP will continue to deliver term-time sessions throughout the year including youth clubs, table tennis clubs, dance sessions, fishing and outdoor pursuits.

PAYP is currently based in the Youth Offending Team (YOT) of the Children and Young People's Department of Blackpool Council and is primarily funded through a grant from Government Office North West, Children’s Fund and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

To take part in future events please contact the PAYP office at the Devonshire Centre, Church Street, on 478618