By Sam Dixon, The Ripple Effect Project
RMBC and Flux have been working together at the Edward Dunn Centre to deliver a youth club for 11- to 15-year-olds from the Maltby area. The aim of the project is to bring young people together to have fun in a safe environment, connect with others and receive a light meal.
Around 15 young people attended the January event on a very dark and dismal evening. Chip butties were provided as well as creative and engaging activities. A competition was held to design a logo for the project, and it was won by a young resident who designed a logo that included a sloth.
Rotherham Ripple Effect did some nail painting and engaged in conversation with some of the young people. We asked.
It seemed like a big thing locally when the flags went up. What did you think?
What is it like around here after dark?
Are there any areas that you feel more comfortable in than others? The young people had quite a lot to say on all matters, it was great to see that they had enough confidence to share their opinions.
It was quite surprising to hear 3 different points of view from young people who live in the same community. This is the first time an engagement has been done through this project, and it will be interesting to examine the wider communities’ thoughts and feelings as the project progresses.
