Heroic end to Get With

Published by Karen Connell for Sentinel Housing Association Ltd in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Basingstoke youngsters had the chance to meet real life local heroes at the grand finale of Sentinel’s summer holiday activity programme, Get With.

Young people who took part in the four week programme, based at Everest Community Academy, came along with their families and were able to meet OIympic torch bearer, Danielle Harrison, semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, Lauren Thalia and local heroes from the police, fire service, RAF and St John’s Ambulance.

Police dogs trained to sniff out drugs and explosives, search for evidence and apprehend dangerous criminals put on a powerful display demonstrating their skills.

10 children who had shown exceptional behaviour and improvement over the summer were also recognised as Get With heroes and were presented with certificates and prizes.

Throughout the summer youngsters took part in activities such as sports, dance, bike maintenance, themed spy and detective days and cooking which not only helped to bust the summer boredom but also gave the kids an opportunity to try new activities for the first time.

14 year old Get With participant Alaa Maygi said, "I’ve really enjoyed Get With, it’s been great for meeting new people. My favourite activities from the summer were the beauty course and trampolining."

Sentinel Assistant Director, Neighbourhoods, Kari Tourle, said, "this is the seventh year that we have held Get With and we continue to be overwhelmed by the demand for good quality summer holiday activities. Get With has played a large part in giving kids worthwhile and enjoyable activities to keep them entertained and out of trouble."

Mark Rowland, Regional Manager of Sports Xtra who delivered the scheme on behalf of Sentinel added, "from our perspective, Get With has been a huge success in our first year involved with the scheme. We feel that we have certainly achieved our goal of engaging children from across the local community and giving them the opportunity to try a wide range of different sports and activities across the summer holiday period.

"The final day celebration also went very well with many local organisations attending to fit with the theme of Heroes and Heroines. This certainly rounded off the summer of activities in spectacular style! The feedback received so far from parents and children has been excellent."

To see more Get With photos visit www.getwith.co.uk