Teen summer scheme is bigger and better

Published by Steve Murphy for Sentinel Housing Association Ltd in Housing and also in Communities

MORE THAN 1000 teenagers will be trying their hand at something new next month, as part of North Hampshires biggest ever programme of youth summer activities.

Young people across the Basingstoke, Hart and Rushmoor areas have been texting in their hundreds to sign up for up to 25 different sports, hobbies or activities over the summer holidays from archery, and power-kiting, to dance workshops and basketball.

Get With started by Sentinel Housing Association provides the perfect antedote to common teenage comments of Im bored or theres nothing to do, and is free, thanks to funding and organisation by a vast array of local businesses, councils, schools, charities, community groups and housing associations.

Sentinel Housing Association Neighbourhood Manager Steve Thorn said: Weve got a brilliant programme this year, from gentle pursuits such as massage or nail painting techniques, to the rough and tumble of tag rugby and martial arts. From previous years, parents tell us that their teenagers often return home with a more positive outlook, as well as new skills and interests.

But theres a benefit for wider society too, as youth crime fell by more than a third in some areas last year, while these activities were on.

Last year, more than 900 young people got involved at activities in Basingstoke and Hart, and with more partners and sponsors on board, the project is now running in Rushmoor for the first time.
 

Get With starts on July 28th and runs until August 22nd, and takes place in Basingstoke, Fleet and Aldershot.