Teen Takeover!

Over a hundred teenagers from the Croxteth area of Liverpool took part in an organised ‘teen takeover’ at St John Bosco Arts College recently. The event was developed by Cobalt Youth Forum supported by Cobalt Housing, part of Vicinity Group. Young people planned their own afternoon of free fun including sumo wrestling, riding a rodeo bull and wall climbing as well as a wide choice of workshop activities. They managed and publicised the event themselves.

Attracting young people aged 13 – 19 years from the Croxteth, Norris Green, Fazakerley and Sparrow Hall areas, the event had something for everyone. This was an opportunity for teenagers to mix together in a safe, fun and informative environment, also allowing Cobalt Housing and key agencies such as Liverpool Youth Service and Merseyside Police to discuss the issues that these young people face and the future of their neighbourhoods.

The afternoon workshops ranged from massage therapy to sexual health, self defence to rap and street dance, as well as creative art classes using recycled household rubbish, cooking with chocolate and the more traditional sports of volleyball and table tennis.

Jake Flood spoke on behalf of Cobalt Housing’s Youth Forum when he said: “This has been one of the best things we’ve done – we all got involved in the organising and we’ve all had fun and met new people today. When’s the next one? ”

Cobalt Housing Community Liaison Officer, Manila Sood added: “We’ve had excellent feedback from everyone who attended, whether from partner organisations or teenagers getting involved on the day. It’s been a pleasure to work with the Youth Forum to develop this event and to see different groups united in this way.”

The day ended with a prize draw for everyone who took part in the workshops and a survey with prizes including a laptop, signed Liverpool and Everton footballs, a Nintendo Wii, Mp3 and Mp4 players, a horse riding lesson, a PADI diving lesson and free local leisure centre passes.