Walker jumps the streets

Published by Judi Samuels for Ascham Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Ascham Homes’ Resident Involvement team have been working closely with Met Track and Waltham Forest Council tenants to encourage young people away from antisocial behaviour.

We have been working with Met Track since 2008 and have sponsored the sporting programme with £5,000 funding.

The Met Track programme isn’t just about encouraging athletics or sporting prowess it goes much deeper. Young people identify with a group and develop their skills not only in sport but who they are becoming as people.

PC Loraine Verghese, Waltham Forest’s Met Track Co-ordinator said: “I firmly believe that engaging young people through these types of activities really does give them alternatives to antisocial behaviour. I have personally seen a lot of young people go from strength to strength and take great pride in their achievements.”

Sarah Walker, aged 14, lives on the Priory Court estate in Walthamstow. Sarah said: “I really enjoy athletics, but my best is the long jump. I used to hang out on the streets, causing trouble on my estate and getting into fights with kids from my school. Coming to the athletics, keeps me off the streets, I come twice a week and I also do street dancing. When I am older I want to go to college and study dance.”

This project is one of several youth projects that our Resident Involvement team are delivering. Another initiative includes the setting up of a Young Peoples’ Association, which we will be reporting on shortly.

To find out more about our youth engagement work please contact Rubeena Amanalluh on 020 8496 4966.