Papworth Trust and My Fantastic Life launch Youth Club for teenagers with disabilities » Communities » 24dash.com

Recent research amongst teenagers with disabilities* showed that they wanted somewhere to go where they could make new friends, have fun, and take part in activities such as arts and crafts, music, films and karaoke. So leading disability charity, Papworth Trust and My Fantastic Life, a voluntary organisation developed in partnership with local authorities, have formed a partnership to deliver Youth Clubs in Huntingdon and St Ives for these young people.

Mark Briggs of My Fantastic Life, which already runs a Youth Club in Ely, has seen the difference this opportunity can make. He says “Giving people time to develop their own confidence and skills is the most valuable asset that a young person can achieve when moving towards adulthood.”

The new Youth Clubs, commissioned under Aiming High by Cambridgeshire County Council, are due to start at the end of November. Anyone interested in joining is invited to come along to some taster sessions on Monday 30 November and 7 December 2009 from 7pm-9pm at Saxongate Community Learning Centre, Huntingdon and a Party Night on 14 December.

“Parents and carers have also told us that they wanted a safe environment for young people with special needs to make new friends, gain confidence and try out new skills”, says Linda Roberts of Papworth Trust, “so we are inviting them to relax and enjoy our tea and coffee lounge at Saxongate Centre while the teenagers enjoy the session.”

To book a place on the taster session or to find out more about the youth clubs, please call Helen Phillips at Cambridgeshire County Council on 01480 376410.

Media contact: Julia Rutherford, email julia.rutherford@papworth.org.uk or 01480 357269.

*The research was carried out during 2008 and 2009 by Papworth Trust. More than 20 youngsters with disabilities were involved in the project.

Notes to Editors:
Papworth Trust is passionate about supporting disabled people by providing a wide range of valued services. Each year the Trust helps over 17,000 people from the East of England and beyond by delivering services covering Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Housing, Learning and Personal support. For more information visit www.papworth.org.uk