New Youth Clubs for disabled teenagers in Wisbech, March and Ramsey

Published by Sarj for Papworth Trust in Communities and also in Education, Health

Research* amongst disabled teenagers 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, formed a partnership to deliver Youth Clubs for these young people.

Following the success of the partnership’s Youth Clubs in Ely and Huntingdon, new groups are now being formed to meet demand in other areas. Commissioned under Aiming High by Cambridgeshire County Council, the new Clubs are:

• March Youth and Community Centre on Tuesdays

• Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech on Wednesdays

• Chaos Youth Centre, Ramsey on Thursdays (from 13 May)

All youth clubs run between 7pm and 9pm during term time, so book a place on the taster session near to you, or to find out more about the youth clubs, please call Linda Roberts on 07764 273326.

Mark Briggs of My Fantastic Life 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.”

“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 a tea or coffee while the teenagers enjoy the session.”

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